M.A. in Modern Languages
The Master of Arts in Modern Languages at the University of Mississippi challenges students to achieve high-proficiency communicative skills, analytical linguistic expertise, and an extensive cultural knowledge. The MA in Modern Languages has emphases available in French, German, Spanish, Linguistics, Applied Linguistics and TESOL, as well as a one-year Graduate Certificate in TESOL. Our small class sizes, engaging academic seminars, and one-on-one professorial contact create a close-knit community among graduate students and faculty. The Master of Arts in Modern Languages develops students’ analytical thinking skills, scholarship, and abilities to succeed in rewarding careers or to enter a doctoral program.
Current M.A. Students
French
- French MA Program Requirements
- French MA Reading List
- French Faculty
- French Courses
- Graduate Minor in German, Spanish, or Linguistics with only four courses at the 500 level or above
German
Spanish
- Spanish MA Program Requirements
- Spanish Linguistics Track Reading List
- Spanish Literature Track Reading List
- Spanish MA Readings PDFs
- Spanish Faculty
- Spanish Courses
- Graduate Minor in French, German, or Linguistics with only four courses at the 500 level or above
Linguistics
Applied Linguistics + TESOL
- Applied Linguistics + TESOL MA Program Requirements
- TESOL Faculty
- TESOL Courses
- Community English as a Second Language (CESL) Program: AL/TESOL students are encouraged to work as teachers and administrators in the CESL Program, which offers weekly classes for family members of international faculty and scholars at the University of Mississippi
- Certificate in TESOL: A one year, 18 hour graduate certificate
- ESL Endorsement + Program Application: A four course program for K-12 teachers for the Mississippi teaching license
In addition to the course requirements specific to each area of emphasis, students must maintain at least a B average in their course work or be subjected to probation and/or expulsion from the program. Beginning French, German, and Spanish graduate students are required to meet the oral proficiency standards in their language.
M.A. Student Resources:
- Recently Admitted Graduate Students: Now What?
- UM Graduate School
- International Student and Scholar Services
- Graduate Student Council
- Modern Languages Faculty
- Modern Languages Graduate Student Handbook 2023-2024
- Graduate Student Travel to Academic Conferences: Policies and Application
- The Colloquium: The UM Graduate Student Colloquium in Applied Linguistics and TESOL (GSCALT)
- UMWPL Journal: University of Mississippi Working Papers in Linguistics
Beyond Campus:
- Teach Mississippi Institute: An alternate route to teacher certification for secondary schools
- Mississippi Foreign Languages Association
- Modern Language Association
- Visit Oxford, Mississippi
M.A. Application and Assistantships
Brochure for MA Programs in Modern Languages at the University of Mississippi
- Admission to the M.A. in Modern Languages and the Certificate in TESOL follows the criteria of the Graduate School.
- Step-by-step instructions for applying to the M.A. in Modern Languages and the Certificate in TESOL
Requirements for Admission for Specialization in French, German, or Spanish:
- 30 hours of course work in the student’s specialization (French, German, or Spanish)
- Or, a total of 30 hours in two or three languages, ancient or modern, provided at least 18 hours are in the major language to be studied
- First year language courses in any language and second year language courses in the student’s major language do not satisfy this prerequisite
- In extraordinary cases, this prerequisite may be modified
Requirements for Admission for Specialization in Applied Linguistics and TESOL:
- 30 hours of course work in English, linguistics, or a foreign language
- Or, a total of 30 hours in any combination of the above, provided at least 18 hours are in one of these fields
- In extraordinary cases, this prerequisite may be modified
Requirements for Admission for Specialization in Linguistics:
- 30 hours of course work in English, linguistics, or a foreign language
- Or, a total of 30 hours in any combination of the above, provided at least 18 hours are in linguistics
- In extraordinary cases, this prerequisite may be modified
Requirements for Admission for the Certificate of TESOL:
- All requirements for admission to the M.A. with three exceptions:
- No prerequisite coursework in English, linguistics, or a foreign language is required
- Two letters of recommendation (instead of three)
Deadlines and Assistantships:
Applications are due by March 15th for entry in the Fall semester. Applications will be considered after the deadline on a space-available basis. Spring admission will only be considered under special circumstances, in which case the deadline is October 1st.
The Department of Modern Languages offers the following kinds of financial assistance: the Price Scholarship, Graduate Research Assistantships, and Graduate Instructorships. These assistantships pay a stipend of $5,000 – $5,250 per semester and come with a full waiver of graduate tuition.
All applicants to the M.A. program are considered for an assistantship; there is no separate application for this funding. Applicants are considered only after they have been admitted. Please allow time after completing your application for you to be considered for aid. International students need to apply the earliest in order to complete application and visa requirements.
Additional assistance may be available from the Office of Financial Aid.
Contact Information
M.A. Program Coordinator for French, German, and Spanish:
Dr. Sara Wellman
slwellma@olemiss.edu
662-915-7712
Bondurant E-203
M.A. Program Coordinator for Linguistics and TESOL:
Dr. Maria Fionda
mifionda@olemiss.edu
662-915-3140
Bondurant E-205B
Chair of the Department of Modern Languages:
Dr. Daniel O’Sullivan
dosulliv@olemiss.edu
662-915-7298
Bondurant C-115
