Students should complete the course requirements for the Master's degree in three semesters by taking four course units in each of the first two semesters, including at least one 700-level seminar each semester. In the third semester students should then take two course units: a 700-level seminar and a 999 independent study for work on the Master's Research Paper. In the fourth semester a student should take the Comprehensive Examination and will be awarded the degree upon certification that all requirements have been met.

The maximum time allowed for the completion of M.A. course requirements is six consecutive years, or seven years if the first attempt to pass the Comprehensive Examination is unsuccessful and the exam is retaken. Only two semesters of further registration is allowed after the completion of course requirements.