2010-2011 UF Graduate Catalog (PDF Format) - Graduate School ...

University of Florida Graduate School
http://test.gradschool.ufl.edu/catalog/current-catalog/FOI/RN01.htm[9/15/2010 4:08:24 PM]
Three references from persons competent to evaluate the
applicant's potential for graduate work
An essay of 3 to 5 double-spaced, typewritten pages identifying
the applicant's goals and particular interests pertinent to the
three available specialty fields (this essay is extremely important
and applicants should attend to it carefully)
A writing sample.
Beyond these requirements, applicants need to show clear evidence
of solid preparation before admission. This usually includes formal
study of the primary language in the specialty field. Acceptable
scores on the GRE General Test are required. In addition to
evidence of preparation and academic promise, the Department
gives careful consideration to the fit between an applicant's central
scholarly interests and the resources the Department and University
have to offer.
Master of Arts: The M.A. degree provides a broad background in
the study of religious traditions, theoretical orientations in the
discipline, and an initial concentration in one of the three specialty
fields. Course work culminates in a thesis and oral examination on
the thesis and course work.
Total credits: Thirty credit hours are required. These include Method
and Theory I and II, the core course(s) of the major field (or
equivalent for those not in one of the three specialty fields), and 6
hours of thesis research credits. The additional hours shall consist of
further courses in the specialty field, other graduate seminars, and
up to 6 hours of research language study.
Language study: All M.A. students are required to demonstrate
competency in a scholarly language other than English before
beginning the thesis. Most languages are acceptable, though
students should consult the individual field requirements. The
chosen language must be approved by the student’s mentor and the
graduate coordinator.
Thesis: Each student, guided by a supervisory committee, will
prepare a Master of Arts thesis, acceptable to the Department of
Religion and the Graduate School, and undergo an oral examination.
Promotion to doctoral status: The Department anticipates admitting
only the best qualified M.A. students to the doctoral program.
Resident graduate students who wish to apply for doctoral status
(i.e., permission to fulfill requirements leading to doctoral qualifying
examinations) must apply during the semester before they wish that
status to be changed. A review and decision will be made by the