On the average, M.A. students spend two years in the program, and are required to fulfill thirty hours of graduate courses, and complete written and oral comprehensive exams, based upon the M.A. reading list. Completion of a Master's thesis is also required.

The department believes that learning to teach must be an integral part of any graduate program. All graduate students are required to teach (usually six hours a week) and are carefully trained and supervised by Professor Emily Scida; and other members of the department.

To apply to either the MA or Ph.D. program at the University of Virginia, please visit the Admissions Office website for the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. There you will find information concerning the requirements for admission as well as a link to the on-line UVA Graduate Admission's Application

If you have any additional questions regarding the application process, you may contact Molly Angevine at mja4f@virginia.edu.

International applicants should consult the Office of International Students and Scholars website.

Virtually all entering graduate students are granted financial support in the form of Fellowships or Teaching Assistantships. Students with exceptionally strong qualifications are nominated for President's Fellowships, awarded by the Graduate School, which are currently about $18,000 (plus tuition costs and health insurance) and which are guaranteed for three years. Presidential fellows generally begin teaching in the second year. The department is usually able to offer up to three President's Fellowships each year. Other entering students currently receive from $17,300 to $17,600 as a teaching assistantship stipend plus tuition costs and health insurance, depending upon experience. Financial support is normally renewable. Students who are awarded Fellowships or Assistantships do not pay any tuition, and receive health insurance. In addition, graduate students are frequently employed in Summer School courses, in Charlottesville or in the Department's summer undergraduate program in Valencia, Spain.