In addition to the general requirements, there are special course requirements for degree candidates in each of the areas of specialization. Undergraduate work may count in fulfillment of these requirements (and the requirements can sometimes be adjusted to take into consideration the preparation and needs of individual students). 

See also the Masters Program, PhD program, and the Graduate School home page for more information on applying.

The following are departmental guidelines for an area studies specialization, though ultimately everything must be approved by the graduate advisor: 

1. 24 graduate credits;
   
2. Advanced competency in a modern Scandinavian Language; if the modern Scandinavian Language is Finnish or Icelandic, a working knowledge of Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish is required;
   
3. Minimal competency (e.g. ETS score of 525) in German or another research language approved by the department;
   
4. A comprehensive written and oral examination.

Required Courses:

1. One seminar in the student's emphasis area, or a thesis of ca. 40-50 pages on a topic agreed upon by the student and advisor;
   
2. One course in Scandinavian literature or literary history;
   
3. 4 courses agreed upon by the student and advisor; Courses need not be within the Scandinavia Studies Department, but should be identified by the student and advisor during the first year of study.

Recommended Courses:

1. Scand st. 433: The Scandinavian Tale and Ballad,
2. Scand st. 429 Mythology of Scandinavia,
3. Scand st. 435: The Vikings,
4. Scand st. 440: Scandinavian-American Folklore,
5. Scand st. 443 Sami Culture, Yesterday and Today,
6. Scand st. 444: Kalevala and Finnish Folklore,
7. Scand st. 432: History of Scandinavian Heritage in America.

Possible Courses of Interest:

1. Folklore 450: The Ballad,
2. Folklore 460: Folk Epic,
3. Folklore 535: American Folk and Vernacular Music,
4. Anthropology 337: Arctic Archeology,
5. Anthropology317: Peoples and Cultures of the Arctic,
6. English 360: The Anglo-Saxons,
7. Art History 311: Medieval Art,
8. Geography 349: Northwestern Europe,
9. Geography 549: Historical Geography of Western Europe,
10. History 359: History of Europe since 1945,
11. History 577: Contemporary Scandinavia: Politics and HIstory,
12. Religion 352: Shamanism.