Dual MA

The Department of Asian Languages and Civilizations participates in a dual master's program with the Departments of History and Religious Studies. Students admitted to the MA programs in these departments may apply to complete a second MA in one of the other programs. Such degrees serve the needs of students who seek a truly interdisciplinary experience among intellectually affiliated departments. Such dual MA degrees require students to complete a total of 42 hours for the two degrees; students must carefully choose a program of study in each department so as to select three courses in each program that may be double-counted toward the other degree.

You must consult with your primary advisor early in your MA program about whether dual degrees are appropriate and feasible for you. It is recommended that you take at least one course from the other program during the first year of graduate studies and then consult with the other program advisor about making formal application to that program. It is also possible to apply to both programs from the outset by making a separate application to each department, listing as your primary department the one in which you have completed the majority of your coursework.

A methods course in each program is the only specific course requirement for the dual degrees. The sequence of courses for both programs will be individually structured by the student’s Ad Hoc Graduate Committee, which will consist of the primary advisor from each program and a third faculty member from either department with a specialization appropriate to the student’s interest.

The Ad Hoc Committee will meet toward the end of each academic year, assessing the student’s progress and making a determination on the student’s continuation in the program.

Residency requirements are the same as for a traditional MA. The time frame for the dual degree program is four years (one year more than for a single MA).

Dual degree programs may combine an MA Plan 1 (thesis track) with a Plan 2 (non-thesis track) or a Plan 2 with a Plan 2. Students may not combine a Plan 1 degree with a second Plan 1 degree, but they are encouraged to select interdisciplinary thesis topics. Thesis hours may be credited toward only one degree.

Sample Programs of Study for the Dual MA

Modern Japanese Literature and East Asian History
Primary Department: ALC

American Religions and American History
Primary Department: History

Traditional Chinese Literature and East Asian Religions
Primary Department: Religious Studies

* = course double-counted in the other department

For more information, contact:

Department of Asian Languages & Civilizations
dalc@colorado.edu 

Department of History
history@colorado.edu

Department of Religious Studies
religious.studies@colorado.edu