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Students outside the Center for Portuguese Studies

Portuguese Studies
MA

The MA in Portuguese Studies gives graduates an in-depth understanding of literary and cultural history of Portugal and the Portuguese-speaking world within a broad, interdisciplinary context of the humanities and social sciences.

Course offerings are complemented by a varied agenda of activities and publications sponsored by the Center for Portuguese Studies and Culture.

  • guest lectures
  • state-of-the-art colloquia
  • Portuguese-American Archives
  • international, peer-reviewed academic journal
  • Portuguese Literary and Cultural Studies

Our program provides the knowledge required for teaching Portuguese in secondary schools and community and junior colleges, as well as to succeed professionally in a wide range of employment opportunities available in our region, nationally and internationally. Students are well-prepared to continue their studies toward a PhD.

Completion of the MA in Portuguese Studies requires a total of 30 credits, including a minimum of 24 course credits. At least 12 credits (4 courses) must be at the 600 level, including POR 610: Topics in Literary and Cultural Analysis. The remaining credits are taken through 500-level courses. Up to 9 credits may be taken outside of the Department of Portuguese, from an approved list of courses

Two distinct options are available to MA students. Students will declare their option by the end of their second semester in the program (full-time students) or following completion of eighteen course credits (part-time students).

Learn more about our options.

Admissions requirements

To apply please create an account in our Applicant Portal. You will need to submit:

  • Application form
  • $60 application fee (non-refundable)
  • Statement of Purpose (minimum 300 words)
  • Resume
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended (regardless of whether a credential is earned or not)
  • English Proficiency test scores:TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic (if applicable)
  • Letter(s) of Recommendation (see program requirements for more information)
  • GRE/GMAT (not required for most programs, see program requirements for more information)

Unofficial transcripts and test scores are accepted for application review but official documents are required for enrollment, please have documents (ie. test scores) sent prior to the expiration. 

Program-specific requirements

Candidates must submit the required application materials, university requirements and program-specific requirements, for consideration.

  • GRE score – recommended especially for assistantship consideration, not required.
  • 3 letters of recommendation. Applicants will be required to provide the recommender's name and email address so we can contact the recommender for the letter of recommendation.
  • Writing sample in Portuguese (minimum 10 pages of writing)

Application dates

A limited number of assistantships are available on a competitive basis. This award is subject to the work needs of the position and department, your satisfactory performance of duties, your academic record, and availability of funds, and may be subject to change.

Learn more about assistantships at UMass Dartmouth