MRSC Graduate Certificate

Texas Tech's Graduate Certificate program seeks to encourage a wider scholarly perspective, and the acquisition of our Graduate Certificate in Medieval and Renaissance Studies enables students to document their special interest with a specialty certificate. It showcases student work that takes fuller advantage of the wealth of expertise we have here on campus. TTU's Medieval and Renaissance Studies Center brings together faculty from across campus to investigate the world of the deeper past, from antiquity through the early modern (1500-1800) period, from a wide variety of disciplinary perspectives.

The graduate certificate offers students the opportunity to work with these faculty and apply the interdisciplinary lessons they learn to their own research, writing, and teaching. Additionally, students enrolled in the certificate program enjoy other practical advantages, including access to funding for travel to major conferences and other professional development opportunities specifically related to the scholarly fields represented by the Center.

Graduate Certificate Requirements

Required Course: MRST 5301: Methods in Medieval and Renaissance Studies, taught every Spring 

The remaining 5 courses may be drawn from the relevant courses in the participating departments, including History, English, Art History, Music, CMLL, and Theatre and Dance, or from other courses specifically approved by the MRSC advisors. 

• Up to 3 Courses: may be taken in your home department 
• At least 2 Courses should be taken outside your home department 
  Note: No more than nine of the eighteen hours (that is, 3 courses) may be taken in a single academic discipline. 

Eligible Electives:  CLAS 5311, 5350; FREN 5312; GERM 5314; ITAL 5301; LAT 5360; SPAN 5356, 5362, 5370; ENGL 5301, 5302, 5303, 5304, 5305, 5334, 5364; HIST 5341, 5342, 5347, 5349, 5351; ARTH 5305, 5320, 5340; MRST 7000; MUHL 5320, 5322, 5331; THA 5325, 5333; or from other relevant courses approved by the certificate program advisors.

Certificate Courses

See the currently available courses for the MRSC certificate.

MRST Graduate Courses Offered Through the Center

MRST 5301: Methods in Medieval and Renaissance Studies. Introduces the scholarship of medieval and renaissance studies. Examines how different academic disciplines analyze and interpret the post-classical, pre-modern past. Introduces resources available at Texas Tech University for the study of the middle ages and the renaissance. This course, offered each spring semester, is a requirement for the MRST graduate certificate.

MRST 7000: Medieval/Renaissance Interdisciplinary Research. Faculty-directed individual research on an interdisciplinary medieval and/or Renaissance studies topic, utilizing multiple materials and approaches. Seeks to develop an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of medieval and renaissance studies. An approved project can be directed by any one of the MRSC affiliated faculty members, but the use of this directed studies number must be approved by a MRST graduate advisor, who can authorize the creation of a section specifically assigned to the directing faculty member. This number is used for individual interdisciplinary research: directed research that falls primarily within the parameters of a single academic discipline should be undertaken under the directed study number of the relevant department. This course, offered when needed and approved, is not a requirement for the medieval and renaissance Studies graduate certificate but can be part of the degree program for the certificate.

How to earn the MRSC Certificate

1. Apply for the certificate through the Graduate School Application portal:  https://ttugradschool.my.site.com/admissions/ApplicationLogin

2. Email the MRSC director to receive a coupon code to waive the 25$ application fee. 

3. Complete the Application 

4. Once the application is submitted, email Dr. Nelson Couch to let her know of the submission so she can accept you into the program. 

5. Meet with an MRSC advisor, Dr. Brian McFadden or Dr. Angela Mariani, to discuss what classes you have taken and what you still need to take to earn the certificate. 

6. Take courses!

7. The semester you are graduating, file an intent to graduate for the certificate (in addition to your intent to graduate filing for your main degree)

8. Graduate with the certificate! 

For more information on Texas Tech's Graduate Certificate programs, consult the Graduate School.