Additional Language Requirement

For both the on-campus and online degrees, the department requires that students fulfill a second language requirement (in addition to English and Spanish) by following an approved course of study. Typically, this is completed by taking a four-semester course of study, but may vary according to the languages available.

Options for completing this requirement include taking classes at a local Community College or University, or online. Some students have met this requirement by studying abroad through NMSU. Students should consult the Graduate Director to establish a plan and discuss how this requirement will be met. Note: evidence of fulfilling the second language requirement must be provided to the Graduate Director BEFORE taking final examinations.

English Language Requirement

International students are required to demonstrate proficiency in English and meet all international admissions requirements prior to beginning their program of study. Please see the section of the Graduate Catalog on international admissions requirements and scores required for either the TOEFL or IELTS exam. Note: evidence of fulfilling the English Language Requirement must be provided to the Graduate Director AND the Graduate School BEFORE taking final examinations.

Final Examinations

Students must successfully complete a final department examination (generally during the final semester of coursework) that is partially written and partially oral. Please consult the Graduate Director for specific information on dates and format for these exams. Final examinations are only available during the Fall and Spring semesters. Please see the section below for final examinations and last semester steps and a checklist on what to do for the final exams

Final Semester and Final Examinations.pdf

Areas of Interest/Reading List

As stated previously, each student needs to select an area of interest: Linguistics or Literature. At the end of the student’s degree, the final examinations (written and oral) will be based on the readings from the readings list in the student’s selected area of study. For example, a student that has opted to specialize in literature is responsible for reading all the materials on the Literature Reading List. Likewise, a student that has opted to specialize in linguistics is responsible for reading all the materials on the Linguistics Reading List. The student is responsible for the reading list that was in place the year he or she started the program. Please see the updated reading list at the end of this handbook or on the departmental website

Each student is responsible for covering the reading materials listed. Please contact the Graduate Director for a detailed reading. Note that the list is dated, so make sure to refer to the correct list that covers the year/semester the student started the program. The student is responsible for covering ALL the readings even if the student did not cover them as part of work done in class.

Reading Lists