Folklore Studies - MA, MS

Admission Requirements

Folklore Studies is an interdisciplinary program; applicants are welcome from various undergraduate backgrounds.

Application Requirements:

• USU application
• $55 fee
• Statement of Purpose
• Writing Sample
• Transcripts of all college/university credits
• Two letters of recommendation

Statement of Purpose: Applicants must submit a statement of purpose that explains their reasons for seeking a master's degree in Folklore Studies at Utah State University. Although a background in Folklore Studies specifically is not necessary, this statement should briefly describe previous academic work, identifying central themes, areas of interest, and skills acquired. The statement may also address any relevant professional experiences and explain how such experiences have prepared and/or motivated them to enter this graduate program. Applicants should identify some of the specific topics or disciplinary areas they would like to focus on for their graduate work. Applicants should also make an effort to show that they are familiar with the specific requirements and features of the Folklore Studies program at USU.

Preface to Writing Sample: Applicants should write a one-paragraph preface to their writing sample that explains the following:

1. a) Context: Applicants must explain when they wrote this writing sample and for what purpose. Who was the original audience? What were the original goals for this piece of writing?
2. b) Relationship to Folklore Studies: Applicants must explain how this writing sample demonstrates knowledge and skills that are applicable to the fields of Folklore Studies.

Writing Sample: Applicants must submit a 10-25 page sample of academic writing that demonstrates they are ready graduate work in the Humanities. Ideally, this writing sample should focus on a topic related to Folklore Studies and demonstrate the applicants' critical thinking skills, research skills, and strengths as a writer.

International students have additional admissions requirements.

Deadlines

The Department accepts new students each fall and has the following application deadline (for both admission and funding):

• Fall semester – January 15

Program Requirements

Students may have an opportunity to complete an internship for credit, but an internship is not required.

Plan Options

Students can receive the MS or MA by pursuing one of two options:

• In the Plan A option, students complete 24 credits of graduate coursework and write a six-credit thesis, with an oral defense meeting.
• In the Plan B option, students complete 27 credits of graduate coursework and write a three-credit paper or creative project, with an oral defense meeting.

Financial Aid

The Department offers various types of graduate financial assistance:

Graduate Assistantships. Offered annually on a competitive basis, graduate assistantships entail approximately 20 hours of work a week assisting the faculty in large courses taught by the department. The award carries a stipend and tuition award. A GA must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled as a full-time student to keep an assistantship, which can be held for a maximum of two years while enrolled in the master's program. Your application for admission to the program also serves as your application for a Graduate Assistantship.

Professional Fellowships. In lieu of a Graduate Assistantship,admitted students may apply for multiple professional fellowship positions, each of which carries a stipend and tuition award. Current fellowships are based at the Hill Aerospace Museum in Riverdale, Utah, and Merrill-Cazier Library on the USU campus in Logan.

A variety of funding opportunities are available on the graduate school website.