Master's Degree

AVC administers and confers a Master’s Degree program in Linguistics and Intercultural Communication. The program offers the degree with the following specialization:

• Armenian Language and History
• Armenian Language and Art History
• Armenian Language and Culture

The program brings together the expertise of two departments to allow students to explore the linguistic, historical and cultural contexts of the Armenian past and present from an interdisciplinary perspective. This intersection invites students to further develop their knowledge of the Armenian heritage, as well as their skills in conducting research and producing writing in matters pertaining to Armenian Studies.

Admission

Students, who hold a Bachelor’s degree in any traditional field of study, may continue their studies at AVC toward a Master’s degree. To be eligible for the Master’s degree program, applicants will be asked to provide the following documentation:

• A copy of their undergraduate diploma;
• A transcript of undergraduate studies;
• Two letters of recommendation. At least one of the recommendations must be from a referee familiar with the applicant’s study abilities and ethics.
• A 500-word statement describing their interest in the field of Armenian Studies, relevant experience (academic, professional and/or personal), and the expectation of their studies at AVC for their future professional goals.

The Head of Academic Affairs will contact the applicant regarding the status of their application. Questions regarding admissions should be sent to marina.khachaturyan@avc-agbu.org :

Coursework and Research Requirements

The program consists of two parts, coursework and research. To qualify for the degree, students are expected to earn a total of 120 according to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) breakdown:

Coursework: Group A and Group B courses (72 credits):

At least 48 credits, namely Group-A courses, must be taken in the field of specialization selected as the student’s major. Students minoring in History and Culture should take a total of 24 credits (Group-B courses), which must be taken from the department listed as the student’s minor (at least 18 credits) and electives. Students minoring in Art History should earn at least 30 credits from Group B courses.

The selection of courses depends on the specialization of the student. The Academic Advisor will guide students in their selection of courses. Research: Group R Courses and Thesis (48 credits):

36 credits should be earned from research assistantship, teaching assistantship and research required for the thesis. The MA thesis totals 12 credits. All students are expected to spend at least 160 hours per year in face-to-face consultation with their instructors and supervisor, through videoconference or in person.

Credits/Curricula per Specialization

Armenian Language and History
Armenian Language courses (Eastern or Western) – 48 credits (Group A)
Armenian History (as minor – 18 credits) and electives (as electives, 6 credits) – 24 credits (Group B)
Research and Thesis – 48 credits (Group R)

Armenian Language and Art History
Armenian Language courses (Eastern or Western) – 42 credits (Group A)
Armenian Culture course (12 credits) and History courses covering the historical period of student’s specialization as minor (12 credits), and electives (6 credits) – 30 credits (Group B)
Research and Thesis – 48 (Group R)

Armenian Language and Culture
Armenian Language courses (Eastern or Western) – 42 credits (Group A) 
Armenian Culture courses (12 credits) and History courses covering the historical period of student’s specialization as minor (12 credits), and electives (6 credits) – 30 credits (Group B)
Research and Thesis - 48 credits (Group R)

Students are required to have at least a B grade point average from the coursework and research to qualify for MA degree.

M.A. Advising
The Head of Academic Affairs acts as the Master’s program counselor and is available to advise students on any question about the program. Students will also be assigned an adviser in accordance with their interests, as well as faculty availability. The advisor is responsible for the student’s course of study and completion of requirements leading to the degree. Courses to be taken must be determined in consultation with the adviser. Thesis topic needs to be approved by the Graduate Review Committee.

Master’s Thesis
Master’s thesis is written under the supervision of two faculty members. The Master’s degree is awarded upon the completion of coursework and the successful defense of the Master’s thesis that demonstrates the student’s ability to conduct independent research. The Graduate Review Committee must be notified of the student’s choice of the topic. The topic should be in the student’s major field. The thesis should not be less than the required 40 pages, and should meet the standards and ethics of academic writing.

 

Diploma Programs

Diploma

Earning a diploma requires the completion of a minimum of 28 credits. The student qualifies for a major if 24 out of 28 credits have been taken in a single department. The student may also qualify for a minor if 20 out of 28 credits come from the same department.

Individual Courses

For students who are not looking to earn a degree or a diploma, AVC provides the opportunity to take individual courses to develop their knowledge of the Armenian language, history, culture or chess. 

Students are eligible for a certificate upon completion of a course(s) in any department.

Credits

Credits

The students receive four credits per course upon successful completion. They are required to actively participate in online discussion forums and chats, to take the weekly quizzes, to meet deadlines for assignments, to participate in individual and collaborative activities and projects, and take a final examination.

Credit Transfer

AVC students may transfer their credits to their respective schools and universities. AVC will provide the student and university official with the necessary information with regards of the course and student’s performance upon request.

Request a Diploma / Certificate

Diploma

Students may request a Diploma of Graduation from the Registrar’s Office (registrar@avc-agbu.org). The Diploma details the graduate’s name, degree(s) awarded, courses completed, major(s) and minor(s) (if applicable), graduation date(s), and the awarding school. It is signed by the AVC President and is imprinted with AVC’s official seal. The Diploma transcript detailing the course information, the student grade points per course, credits earned, and the cumulative grade point average, will also be provided to the graduate.

Requests should include the following information:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Dates and Courses Completed
• E-mail Address

The soft copy of the Diploma will be delivered to the graduate within ten (10) working days.

Certificate

A certificate is issued per student’s request upon completion of a course in any department. Students may request a Certificate from the Registrar’s Office (registrar@avc-agbu.org).

 

Requests should include the following information:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Dates and Courses Completed
• E-mail Address

The soft copy of the Certificate will be delivered to the student within ten (10) working days.