FAQ

For the 2024-2025 application cycle for the MA and the AGDP, the GRE requirement has been waived. Applicants may choose to submit their GRE scores if they wish.

In medieval studies, we require proficiency in Latin and a second medieval or modern language. The Latin requirement to graduate is LAT 5600 with a B or better. While it is usually best for an applicant to have some prior experience in Latin in order to complete the program in a timely way, it is not required for admission. There are several ways one may satisfy the second language requirement, including coursework in various languages, previous training, proficiency exams, or successfully completing the intensive summer reading sequence (FREN 5000–5010 or GER 5000–5010). The summer intensive courses are for reading proficiency only, compress two years of language study into summer I and II sessions and are offered in alternate summers.

We expect a writing sample of 15-20 pages; however, what we would like to see is your best writing, not a piece that simply conforms to an arbitrary page count. If you don't have a paper of that length that represents your best work, two shorter papers would be accepted.

Funding is a big issue for most students. Applications submitted by the January 10 deadline are reviewed in early- to mid-February for admission. Funding decisions may take slightly longer depending on when the University allocates funding for the year. Prospective students are welcome to contact the director of the Medieval Institute to learn about the prospects for funding. See the Financial Aid page for further details.

Yes, the Graduate College at Western Michigan University permits the transfer of up to six credits of graduate work from another program or institution. The Medieval Institute reviews the course requirements and the student's performance before deciding whether to accept the credits.

Students in the accelerated graduate degree program are automatically moved onto the M.A. track once they've received their B.A. The AGDP form indicates which of their credits count for both the B.A. and M.A.

You can check out the Current Graduate Students section, learn more about our intellectual community, or contact us to be put in touch with currently enrolled students to find out more about life as an M.A. student at the Medieval Institute.

The answer depends on the program, your time, and your interests. Graduate courses are considerably harder than undergraduate courses; a full-time load as a graduate student at Western Michigan University is 2–3 courses per term. Full-time study as a master's student usually takes two years; part-time study will take longer.

It isn't possible at the present time to finish a graduate degree in medieval studies completely online. The vast majority of our courses are offered in the face-to-face seminar format, meaning that you will learn via discussion and interaction with other students and faculty. While online completion isn't an option, there are occasional courses offered virtually. Most graduate courses are taught in a once or twice per week format (for example, 4–6:30 pm on Thursdays) and some students live outside of Kalamazoo. Many of the benefits of our intellectual community come from the program being largely residential.

The M.A. program in medieval studies offers both a thesis and non-thesis option. Most students complete the degree through coursework; some students opt to write a thesis if they have defined research interests or are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. See the Programs of Study page for more details.

Medieval Institute graduate students hold jobs in many fields and have pursued degrees in various doctoral programs in the United States and abroad. See the Career Opportunities page for more information.