:: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q. How can I apply to the graduate program in Portuguese (MA or PhD)?

A. The UMass Dartmouth Office of Graduate Studies must receive a completed application form, application fee, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate records, a personal statement, and reports of required examinations before an application is complete and is sent to the department for consideration. Application materials and instructions are available at http://www.umassd.edu/graduate/prospects/waystoapply.cfm or by calling 00-1-508-999-8604.

2. Q. Can I submit my application online?

A. While the application form can be completed and submitted electronically, letters of recommendation and other supplementary materials (where applicable) must be sent via traditional mail.

3. Q. Does the Portuguese program accept international students?

A. Yes, we welcome applications from international students. Applicants should address specific questions concerning graduate addmissions procedures and visas to the Graduate Studies Office or visit the International Students Homepage at http://www.umassd.edu/international_students/.

4. Q. Is financial aid available?

A. Financial aid is available as paid employment in the form of a limited number of Teaching Assistantships  in the Department of Portuguese and Research Assistantship related to the graduate program and the publications of the Center for Portuguese Studies and Culture. Candidates to the graduate program who wish to apply for a Teaching  or Research Assistantship should state so on the application form. Teaching Assistants typically teach one section of an elementary or intermediate Portuguese language course during the Fall (September-December) and Spring (February-May) semesters. Research Assistantship contracts last from September 1st until August 1st of the following year.

5. Q. If I have a BA degree in something other than Portuguese Studies or Brazilian Studies, can I still apply to your MA or PhD programs?

A. Yes. Students who have earned a BA degree in another subject area and can demonstrate evidence of oral and written competence in Portuguese are encouraged to apply.

6. Q. Where is UMass Dartmouth located?

A. UMass Dartmouth is located in southeastern Massachusetts, one hour from Boston and 30 minutes from Providence, RI. Please click here for a map and additional information.

7. Q. How much does tuition cost?

A. Graduate students who are awarded a Teaching or Research Assistantship are considered Massachusetts residents regardless of citizenship status and pay only limited student fees. The amount of tuition and fees for degree candidates who do not hold an assistantship varies depending on residency and number of credits per semester. Please click here for complete tuition and fee schedules.

8. Q. Do graduate students live on campus?

A. While graduate students have the option of living on campus, it may be more affordable to seek lodging off-campus. The neighboring towns of New Bedford and Fall River offer many apartment rental opportunities. Many UMass Dartmouth faculty and graduate students live also on Cape Cod, in Providence or other towns in Rhode Island, and in metro Boston area.

9. Q. I'm an international student and I need to submit my TOEFL scores. How do I arrange this?

A. You may consult www.toefl.org for information regarding the TOEFL exam. Please note that it is acceptable to submit your application form and other materials prior to taking the TOEFL and then have your scores sent at a slightly later date. Please indicate your intention of doing so on the application form.

10. Q. What is the deadline for applications?

A. Candidates seeking financial aid in the form of a Teaching or Research Assistanship must apply by the posted deadline for full consideration. As with TOEFL scores, it is possible for a prospective student to send in his or her application form via email no later than the posted deadline and then submit supplementary materials (such as letters of recommendation, etc.) at a slightly later date. Please inform us of your intention to do so on the application form.

11. Q. Can I attend the graduate program part-time only?

A. Yes. It is possible to enroll as a part-time student (e. g., taking one course per semester), and even to take a leave of absence for a semester if necessary.

 Last Updated On: 3/18/09