The degree requires a minimum of 36 hours, including HUMA 5300 - The Humanities and Interdisciplinary Thought and a minimum of 18 hours in one of four disciplines–Christian Studies, English, History, or Philosophy. The specialization can account for 18-24 hours of the degree. Students may not complete more than 24 hours in one of the four areas; those who wish to do so should pursue the Master of Arts in that specific area. Students will complete their remaining hours by taking selected courses in the following areas (as they are offered): Christian studies, English, film, fine arts, history, music, philosophy, Spanish, and/or theatre. Students will also complete a portfolio (3 hours) in their final 8-week session. Students with a passion for research and writing may attempt a 6-hour thesis with an interdisciplinary approach in lieu of the portfolio and one three-hour content course.
In addition to all requirements listed for Wayland’s Graduate Studies program, students must also meet the following prerequisites for admission to the Master of Arts in Humanities:
- An earned bachelor’s degree (preferably a Bachelor of Arts in a humanities-related area, but others will be considered) from a regionally accredited university or college.
- A minimum of 6 undergraduate hours with a 3.0 GPA or higher in the desired 18-hour specialization: English, history, philosophy, or Christian studies, and a writing sample. Students may opt out of the writing sample if they have 12 hours in English with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Students who score lower than 14 on the entrance essay will need to take ENGL 5300 to improve their scholarly writing skills at the earliest opportunity. Students who score lower than 10 may be denied or encouraged to take ENGL 5300 on a provisional acceptance of passing ENGL 5300 . (This may count toward the 36 hours needed to graduate.)
- Three hours in a foreign or second language, or demonstrated competency at that level through CLEP, ETS Placement, or similar exam, any of which may be completed concurrently as leveling coursework. (Contact the Dean of School of Languages and Literature if further information is needed.)
When applying to the program, students must select or declare one 18-hour path of specialization.
Once admitted to the above program, students who wish to pursue an 18-hour specialization in English must complete the following graduate courses:
ENGL 5307 - Literary Theory
ENGL 5308 - Advanced Research in English Studies
Once admitted to the above program, students who wish to pursue an 18-hour specialization in History must complete the following graduate course:
HIST 5301 - Historical Methods
Students who wish to pursue an 18-hour specialization in Christian studies or Philosophy are not required to complete any specific graduate courses.
Any course taken for credit toward the degree must be approved by the dean of the school that delivers that particular course.
While the Master of Arts in Humanities helps prepare students for doctoral programs in the Humanities or Liberal Arts, those who intend to pursue a doctorate in the areas of English, history, Christian studies, or philosophy are encouraged to pursue one of Wayland’s MA degrees in that specific area.
Students admitted to the program must be prepared to adjust to the different disciplines’ varying course requirements, including diverse reading, discussion board, paper, and other assignments, as well as varied style manual requirements. In such situations, students are responsible for educating themselves as needed; no extra assistance should be expected, and no special exceptions will be made.
