Degree Requirements

Students are required to take at least 30 credit hours in course work (the equivalent of 10 three-credit courses). A minimum of 18 credit hours must be taken at the 600- level or higher. A cumulative grade point average of at least a “B” (3.0) is needed for graduation. The program may be completed in two years of full-time study. All requirements for the degree must be completed within five years. The intercultural curriculum stresses the integration of language and culture within a larger societal context. Four required courses provide a grounding in the field. In addition to the required program, graduate faculty advisors will assist students in the choice of elective courses best suited to their specific interests and career needs. Along with electives in the target language, students may choose others in areas such as business and education, government, health, social work. (Six education credits may be used in partial fulfillment of the requirements for post-baccalaureate teacher certification.) Special internships may be arranged and substituted for an elective course.

Students are offered thesis and non-thesis options.

Thesis students take, in addition to the required program of 12 credits, a minimum of 12 credit hours of electives and six credit hours of thesis research. At the end of their program, they must pass an oral examination on the thesis.

Non-thesis students, in consultation with an advisor, take a minimum of 18 credit hours of electives, which may be divided between courses in the target language and courses in the related field. They are also required to submit a scholarly paper and to pass a comprehensive examination based on their course work.

Accelerated B.A./M.A.

Students completing an undergraduate major at UMBC in modern languages and linguistics may, during their junior or senior year, apply for admission to the M.A. in Intercultural Communication. If accepted, they may apply nine credits of previously approved B.A. course work (graduate level) to their M.A. degree. Such students may be able to complete both degrees in five years.