Linguistics

Program Description

The Linguistics Program offers two options.

In the general option, students focus on mastering the analytical techniques and theoretical frameworks needed to study the phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics of natural languages.

In the applied option, students focus on achieving an orderly understanding of methods of investigating language-related problems, such as development or endangerment.

(Students pursuing either option may also consider satisfying the requirements for UM's Certification of Accomplishment in English as a Second Language, ESL, an endorsement added to a graduate's transcript, not a license).
 

Degree Offered

M.A. Linguistics

Requirements

Non-thesis - 36 coursework credits and a comprehensive examination.

Thesis - 30 credits of coursework and six (6) thesis credits plus a thesis defense.

Admissions

1. Application Materials and Deadline

The Linguistics Program admits applicants for Fall semester and requires that their files be complete by 15 February in order to be considered for a Teaching Assistantship. Files completed between 16 February and 1 April will be considered for Fall admission only.

Instructions for applying to the Graduate School are in the Applying for Admission section on this web site.

In addition to the application materials required by the Graduate School, the Linguistics Program also requires:

• A one-to-two page answer to the question, Why do I want to be(come) a linguist? Your response should include your educational background, qualifications for studying linguistics at the graduate level, and plans for using an advanced degree in your career.
• A résumé describing the schools where you have studied, the degrees you have earned, the honors you have received (if any), the language(s) you speak (with degree of competence), and the jobs you have held.

2. Program Requirements for Admission

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores. The Linguistics program prefers scores that are no more than five years old.
• Grade point average of at least 3.0 for all college work.
• An introductory course in Linguistics or its equivalent in language training (students who do not have such a course may be admitted conditionally and may not count such a class at UM as a course to satisfy degree requirements).

3. Assistantship Application

Applicants for teaching and research assistantships must submit normal application materials (see above) plus a piece of expository writing that shows the applicant's writing ability. 15 February is the deadline for fall semester awards.

4. International Students

• See information in the International Admission section on this web site.

Financial Assistance

For additional information about financial assistance, see the Money section on this web site.

Teaching Assistantships

The Linguistics Program has four teaching assistantships available each year. Graduate students in these positions teach English for Academic Purposes to international students whose English is under 580 on the paper TOEFL (237 on the computer-based exam or 92 on the internet-based exam) under the direction of Linguistics Program faculty (typically, second year students). Only applicants with full status to the Graduate School are eligible for teaching assistantships.

Full-time teaching assistants are responsible for classroom instruction in the classes to which they are assigned and work approximately 15 to 20 hours a week each semester of the academic year. In addition to their salaries, teaching assistants receive a tuition fee waiver (in-state or out-of-state) and a waiver of the registration fee. Other fees charged by the University are not included in the TA fee waiver package. Students must reapply each year for teaching assistantships. Both current and incoming graduate students are encouraged to apply. A certain number of assistantships are reserved each year for incoming graduate students. Teaching assistants are required to register for 9 credits each semester.

Research Assistantships

The Linguistics Program has research assistantships dependent on faculty research grant funding. While tuition and fee waivers are not included in these appointments, the salary may be adjusted to help students pay a portion of these charges. Research assistants are required to register for 9 credits each semester.