:: FAQ - Frequently Asked Question
Frequently Asked Questions - Updated July 1, 2007
1. Q. How can I apply to the graduate program in Portuguese (MA or PhD)?
A. Please consult the appropriate sections of the website.
2. Q. Does the Portuguese program accept International students?
A. Yes. Please consult the appropriate sections of the website.
3. Q. Is there financial aid available?
A. Yes. Please consult the appropriate section of the website for more information on financial aid.
4. Q. If I have a B.A. in something other than Portuguese Studies or Brazilian Studies, can I still apply to your M.A. or PhD programs?
A. Yes. Students who have completed a B.A. in another subject area and can demonstrate evidence of oral and written competence in Portuguese are encouraged to apply.
5. Q. Where is UMass Dartmouth located? Do you have a map?
A. Yes, you may consult the map here.
6. Q. What types of employment are offered to graduate students in Portuguese at UMass Dartmouth?
A. There are two possibilities for employment within the Graduate Studies in Portuguese Program: 1.) A Teaching Assistantship (TA), in which the student teaches an Elementary Portuguese course during the Fall (September-December) and Spring (February-May) semesters and 2.) A Research Assistantship (RA), in which the successful candidate engages in publishing-related tasks (f0r example, with Portuguese Literary & Cultural Studies: http://www.plcs.umassd.edu). Research Assistantships last from September 1st until August 1st of the following year. TAships and RAships are only offered to the strongest applicants. Salaries for these positions in the 2006-2007 AY were as follows: TAs, $15,000 and RAs, $20,000.
7. Q. How much does tuition cost?
A. Graduate students who are U.S. citizens and who receive a TA or RAship pay almost no tuition. For international students with no financial aid, however, tuition may be as high as $17,000 per academic year.
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.
9. Q. Can I apply for the program online?
A. While the application form can be completed and sent electronically via email, letters of recommendation and other supplementary materials (where applicable) must be sent via traditional mail.
10. 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. 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 intentions of doing so on the application form.
11. Q. What is the deadline for applications?
A. Candidates seeking financial aid in the form of a TA or RAship need to apply by the posted deadline. 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.
12. Q. Can I attend the graduate program part-time only?
A. Yes. It is possible to enroll as a part-time student (e. g., one course per semester), and even to take a leave of absence for a semester if necessary.
13. Q. When may I apply to the Ph.D. program?
A. The PhD in Luso-Afro-Brazilian Studies and Theory was approved on June 14, 2007, by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. For financial aid, please apply by the posted deadline. You may apply for the Ph.D. with a strong record at the BA level (Licenciatura) or an MA.
Last Updated On: 7/1/07
