The MA in Medieval and Renaissance Studies provides the opportunity to undertake graduate level work in any relevant field of interest. The program is appropriate for students who will go on to apply to PhD programs as well as for those who wish to complete a terminal MA. Students choose from a wide range of courses, develop their skills in relevant languages, and are introduced to the study of manuscripts and early printed books. The MA culminates in a final thesis in which students develop an original research project.
For more information, visit: medren.columbia.edu or contact: medren@columbia.edu
Description of Program
The curriculum requires coursework totaling 30 points (credits), including an MA thesis. Students generally take four courses each semester, one of which is a language course. In the second semester, one of the three non-language courses will involve preparation of the MA thesis (G6999), which will likely be completed over the summer. The program requires one elective course focusing on the study of manuscripts, documents, or early printed books (a list of approved courses will be provided at the beginning of each term). The program’s flexible structure enables students (in consultation with their academic advisors) to design a course of study that meets their goals.
Although most MA students attend full-time, they may also obtain the MA through part-time study during the academic year; they can also enroll during the summer. But it is a requirement of the program that part-time students complete the degree in no more than 4 years, and that they be continuously registered.
Requirements
- Language study. Two semesters of a language relevant to the study of the medieval and/or Renaissance period at the 4000 level or higher, appropriate for the student’s particular needs and interests; one semester of the course must be taken in the fall and one in the spring. Medieval and Renaissance Philology (G6020) counts toward this requirement.
- Manuscript/Print Culture. One one-semester course involving the study of original manuscripts, documents, or early printed books (selected from a list established each year by the Director of the MA program).
- Four semesters of elective courses at the 4000 level or higher, selected from a list established each year by the Director of the MA program, and approved by the student’s appointed advisor.
- Two semesters of registration in MA Thesis (G6999).
- Courses may be taken for R-credit or Pass/Fail, but these courses do not count toward the degree.
- No advanced standing or transfer credit is granted for courses taken outside of Columbia University.
Note: All courses will be at the 4000 level and above. The MA thesis course (G6999) is pursued as an independent study with an advisor or advisors.
