Which Master’s Degree Program Is Right For Me?
All of our master’s programs provide students with access to research opportunities. Likewise, all of our students are provided with job search resources. However, different programs prioritize different linguistic sub-disciplines. Additionally, our department’s programs have varying degree requirements, (please note that credit hours determine program pricing).
The questions below are designed to help individuals determine which program is the right fit for them. Click on your answer to navigate through the different fields. You’re also welcome to reach out to the Director of Master’s Programs, Dr. Alexandra Johnston, with questions.
What is one of your primary motivations for attending graduate school?
What are your academic interests?
- Theoretical linguistics, (e.g. semantics, pragmatics, phonology, phonetics, syntax)
- Computational linguistics, (e.g. natural language processing, large language models, and corpus linguistics)
- Applied linguistics (e.g. language teaching and learning)
- Sociolinguistics, (e.g. intercultural communication, language attitudes, language and gender)
- My interests encompass various linguistic sub-disciplines
Master of Science in Theoretical Linguistics
This program provides students with the opportunity to delve into the fundamentals of language, exploring language structures, patterns, and other building blocks of meaning.
To earn an M.S. in Theoretical Linguistics, students complete 36 credits (12 classes). This includes 9 credits of departmental distribution requirements, (such as phonology or syntax), 21 credits within the theoretical linguistics concentration, a world language proficiency requirement, and a Master’s research paper or Master’s thesis.
- This aligns well with my interests: Explore the theoretical linguistics concentration page.
- I am interested in another concentration.
- I am interested in this concentration, in addition to other concentrations.
Master of Science in Computational Linguistics
This program provides students with an understanding of the relationships and potential relationships between computers and language, including predictive language modeling and natural language processing (NLP).
To earn an M.S. in Computational Linguistics, students complete either 30 credits (10 classes) or 24 credits (8 classes and a Master’s thesis, [$0 for thesis credit]). This includes 9 credits of departmental distribution requirements in formal, theoretical linguistics, 9 credits within the computational linguistics concentration, and either a Master’s research paper (for the 30 credit option) or Master’s thesis (for the 24 credit option).
- This aligns well with my interests: Explore the computational linguistics concentration page.
- I am interested in another concentration.
- I am interested in this concentration, in addition to other concentrations.
Master of Science in Applied Linguistics
The Master of Science in applied linguistics allows students to explore second language learning, teaching, and assessment, in addition to providing students with research skills related to language acquisition.
To earn an M.S. in Applied Linguistics, students complete 36 credits (12 classes). This includes 9 credits of departmental distribution requirements in formal, theoretical linguistics, 21 credits within the applied linguistics concentration, a world language proficiency requirement, and a Master’s research paper or Master’s thesis.
- This aligns well with my interests: Explore the applied linguistics concentration page.
- I am interested in another concentration.
- I am interested in this concentration, in addition to other concentrations.
Master of Science in Sociolinguistics
Students in this program explore how language functions in society, studying discourse analysis, language variation and change, and intercultural communication, among other subjects.
To earn an M.S. in Sociolinguistics, students complete 36 credits (12 classes). This includes 9 credits of departmental distribution requirements in formal, theoretical linguistics, 9 credits within the sociolinguistics concentration, a world language proficiency requirement, and a Master’s research paper or Master’s thesis.
- This aligns well with my interests: Explore the sociolinguistics linguistics concentration page.
- I am interested in another concentration.
- I am interested in this concentration, in addition to other concentrations.
Master of Arts in Language & Communication (MLC)
This program prepares students to apply linguistic insights and research in professional contexts in business, government, nonprofit and tech organizations. In addition to a required Proseminar course in Career Management for Linguists and one class in formal, theoretical linguistics, MLC students take 3 core courses in sociolinguistics. Students select electives in other areas to develop expertise in applied linguistics or computational linguistics or reach out beyond the department to tailor their program to individual interests.
To earn an M.A. in Language and Communication, students complete either 30 credits (10 classes) or 24 credits (8 classes plus a Master’s thesis, [$0 for thesis credit]). This includes 3 credits of formal, theoretical linguistics (instead of 9, as in the M.S. degree programs), 9 credits of sociolinguistics coursework, and the required Proseminar in Career Management for Linguists. There is no additional language proficiency requirement and no Master’s research paper requirement.