Students admitted to this option are expected to draw up a tentative course of study and to write a rationale. A Guidance Committee works with the student to transform the proposal into a realistic, manageable program and draws up a list of courses and independent projects to be completed for the M.A.

The Portfolio M.A. consists of 33 credits, including three for the compilation and revision of the Portfolio materials and six for the required M.A. Thesis. While no specific course is required, candidates take a minimum of one graduate course in the three basic areas of: language, literature, and civilization. The Master’s examination is based on the portfolio, a reading list, courses taken, and the M.A. Thesis.