Program Description

The Master of Arts in Humanities degree program is designed both for individuals wishing to enhance their knowledge of the humanities and their skills in humanistic inquiry and for students intending to pursue a PhD in related fields. The humanities program brings together scholars from history, philosophy, literature, creative writing, art history, film studies, and the performing arts who share a commitment to transnational and interdisciplinary approaches to humanistic
study and practice.

Taught by internationally recognized faculty at the University of Texas at Dallas, students in the program select a degree concentration from one of three main areas of study:

• History of ideas, which concentrates on history and philosophy.
• Literature, which concentrates on literature, language, rhetoric, translation studies and
  creative writing.
• Visual and Performing Arts, which concentrates on visual and performing arts, art history and
  film studies.

All students must take seminars in each of these three main areas of study and elect either a professional or research option, the latter being especially relevant for those with plans for doctoral study. The research option requires students to demonstrate proficiency in an approved foreign language and complete a thesis.

Benefits

The humanities master’s program ensures that students gain a broad understanding of their chosen field or discipline, apply their knowledge in new, creative ways and communicate and work effectively in collaborative environments.

Other benefits include:

• World-Class Faculty: The program is led by the history and philosophy faculty of the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology who are widely cited experts in their respective fields.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Courses in the program will introduce students to new ideas,
  methodologies and competencies while preparing them to succeed in both public and private
  sectors.
• Location: Situated in the greater Dallas region—recently rated by Forbes magazine as the #1
  “Best City for Jobs” — UT Dallas provides students with easy access to employers and internship
  opportunities, not to mention a large and supportive alumni population.

Career Opportunities

In addition to law schools and PhD programs, graduates of the humanities master’s program are well-prepared for positions in both public and private sectors, such as:

• Teacher/educator
• Researcher or writer
• Administrator
• Archivist or museum curator
• Non-profit manager

Career settings may include higher education, non-profits, cultural and historical organizations, government agencies, international development organizations, publishing houses, museums and archives, business or corporate entities and independent consulting.

Marketable Skills

Review the marketable skills for this academic program.

Application Deadlines and Requirements

Please take note of all application deadlines and visit the Apply Now webpage to begin the application process. See the humanities page for additional information. 

 Applicants to the humanities master’s degree program should have: 

• A baccalaureate degree (BA or MA) or its equivalent from an accredited institution of higher education in an arts and humanities field. 
• A grade point average (GPA) of 3.3 out of a 4.0 scale, especially in upper-division undergraduate or graduate coursework. 
• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit 3 letters of recommendation from individual able to judge the candidate’s potential for success in the master’s degree program. 
• Admissions Essay: Applicants must submit a 650-word narrative essay, which should be reflective rather than factual. The essay should address the applicant’s academic interests and goals and indicate how the master’s program would enable such pursuits. 
• International applicants must submit a TOEFL score of at least 80 on the internet-based test.  Scores must be less than two years old. See the Graduate Catalog for additional information regarding English proficiency requirements for international applicants.