The thesis option requires at least thirty-six semester hours of credit the option without thesis, at least thirty-nine hours. All students must also complete at least six semester hours in a minor area of studies, such as marketing, sociology, anthropology, journalism, psychology, or English. No more than nine semester hours of upper-division coursework may be counted toward the degree. 

The program is flexible, allowing students to focus on their specific interests through elective and minor coursework. Most students complete the program in twenty-one months.

The Master of Arts is offered both in a traditional format and in the Option II format. Option II provides a planned program of study that includes intensive summer work and special internationally-focused enrichment opportunities. It gives students enrolled in participating academic programs access to a multinational and global experience.