College of Arts and Letters

Maureen Ryan, Ph.D., Interim Dean
Deanne Nuwer, Ph.D., Associate Dean, Gulf Coast
118 College Drive #5004
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
(601) 266-4315

Vision

The College of Arts and Letters is committed to excellence in the acquisition, dissemination and application of knowledge. At both the graduate and undergraduate levels and through their research our scholars in the social sciences, humanities, and the fine and performing arts serve our communities and professions locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

Mission

The College of Arts and Letters preserves, advances, and disseminates knowledge in the arts, humanities, and social sciences by instilling and nurturing intellectual curiosity and supporting scholarly and creative research within and across diverse disciplines. Through its foundational disciplines the College plays a crucial role in preparing a diverse student body for lives as responsible and engaged citizens by enhancing cultural awareness, moral and aesthetic sensitivity, ethical reflection and a love of learning. The College prepares university graduates who are nimble, adaptable, creative, and able to respond to ever-changing global circumstances and environments.

Deficiencies

The College of Arts and Letters retains the right to determine deficiencies in the preparation of any graduate student, regardless of the number of course credits accumulated. The college will recommend appropriate means of removing such deficiencies.

Examinations and Performance Evaluations

Some degree programs require entrance qualifying examinations, auditions, or performance evaluations. Admission to most graduate programs requires submission of official test scores from the Graduate Record Examination and TOEFL score for international applicants. Some departments accept the MAT for master’s degree programs. The departmental sections following in this Bulletin list general requirements for each degree program. Prospective students should confer with the department chair for full details. Approval of the graduate faculty in the appropriate department must be granted before a student will be accepted into a graduate degree program in any area of Arts and Letters.

Final comprehensive examinations at or near the completion of the course work are required for all graduate degrees. The type, scope, and dates of the examinations vary, since they are matters of individual departmental policy. Each student pursuing a graduate degree should confer with his or her major professor and department chair for full particulars.

Degree Programs

The departmental sections following in this Bulletin list specific requirements for each degree program. Some provide substantial latitude and flexibility. In many programs – with approval of the major professor and department chair – the student may choose a graduate minor in a cognate field. Students are responsible for following all general and departmental regulations and are encouraged to consult frequently with their department.