Program Description

The Department offers two options at the M.A. level: A Masters of Arts in French Literature (Option I) and Masters of Arts in French as a Foreign Language (Option II). Students normally proceed through the M.A. program in four semesters. Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GATships) are typically available although they are contingent on budget, academic records (for incoming students) and reports of satisfactory progress (for continuing students). Satisfactory progress is determined by the Department Head in consultation with the faculty and graduate studies committee. When all requirements are met and funds are sufficient, graduate students may receive support for four semesters as a GAT. An additional semester of support is available in special circumstances. Entering students normally teach two per semester, unless course releases are obtained. All GATships include non-resident tuition waivers. Summer teaching positions are available for advanced students at the UA and with the Arizona in Paris summer exchange program and with the Niger summer session.

Financial Aid and Admissions

Teaching stipends for the current year range from $13,489 for four courses per year taught by beginning Master's students.

Applicants are responsible for submitting complete applications by the deadline.  Incomplete files will not be reviewed.

Both domestic and international applicants must submit their dossiers by December 15 for the following fall semester. Departmental deadlines are earlier than those posted by the Graduate College in order to allow for internal review and processing.

Decisions on admissions are based on previous academic performance and future promise. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the UA campus and to make arrangements to meet with the Director of Graduate Studies. The dossiers should include the following:

• Departmental Application
  http://www.coh.arizona.edu/french/Gradprogram/Graduate_Application.pdf
  
  
• Graduate College Admission Application available online at
  http://grad.arizona.edu/Prospective_Students/Apply_Now/
  
  
• Official Transcripts, in the original sealed envelope.  Applicants should submit two copies of their official transcripts to the department.
  
  
• Three letters of reference, preferably from persons in your own field of concentration who are directly acquainted with your work. (Letters of recommendation from outside your field of concentration may be given less weight in the final analysis). These letters should be current (no more than six months old).  They must be on official letterhead and signed, then sent directly to the Department of French and Italian.
  
  
• Statement of purpose: this statement should explain your reasons for undertaking study at the graduate level, your future area of research and professional goals.  (Approximately 300 words).   
  
  
• A polished writing sample in French, preferably from a recent course in French or relevant field.  This paper is read carefully for evidence of the candidate’s ability to articulate athoughtful and original argument in French.
  
  
• A CD or audio file recording of your voice (with passages recorded in French and  English). See enclosed separate pages of passages to be read for this purpose.
  
  Additional Requirements for International Students:
  
  
• International applicants should submit two copies of their official transcripts to the department. Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied with certified translations.
  
  
• TOEFL, with a score of 550 (written based) or 213 (computer based) or better, is required of non-native speakers of English.  The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination can be submitted in lieu of the TOEFL. The minimum IELTS score requirement for admissions consideration is a score of 7, with a score of no less than 6 on any individual module.
  
  
• TSE (Test of Spoken English) or SPEAK test administered by the University of Arizona.
  
  Optional
• The GRE is recommended for all graduates of North American academic institutions, but not required.