Accelerated Master’s programs for Georgetown Linguistics majors
The Department of Linguistics offers 2 Accelerated Master’s degree options to Georgetown students majoring in Linguistics: An MS degree with a concentration in Applied Linguistics (ALI), Computational Linguistics (CLI), Sociolinguistics (SLI) or Theoretical Linguistics (TLI); or an MA degree in Linguistics with a concentration in Language & Communication (called the MLC).
Linguistics majors can begin working towards their Master’s degree while completing their BA, which typically allows you to finish your Master’s requirements in only one post-graduate year. With careful course planning, this can result in significant savings in Master’s program tuition and time. The Accelerated Master’s program can save you from paying for up to 12 credits in graduate course tuition (worth $30,600 in 2024-25).
While the Accelerated program is designed for Linguistics majors, interested Linguistics minors as well as non-Linguistics majors will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. You are encouraged to talk to Dr. Alex Johnston, Director, Master’s Programs, in the fall of your junior or senior year about these options.
How does it work? l Application Process
How does it work?
1. Applications to all Accelerated Master’s programs are due January 15 of your junior or senior year. You will be notified of an admissions decision later in early March.
2. The Accelerated Master’s allows you to double-count 2 graduate-level linguistics courses for both your BA and Master’s degree, saving you 6 credits of graduate tuition. In most cases, “Tier III” courses required for the Linguistics major will meet these requirements and can be double-counted.
3. Up to 2 additional graduate-level Linguistics courses can be applied to the Accelerated Master’s degree if such courses are above and beyond those required by the College for the BA and the Department for your Linguistics major. This means you would plan to take 2 additional graduate-level courses beyond the 10 Linguistics courses required for the Linguistics major and earn at least 126 credits instead of the minimum of 120 required to graduate with your Bachelor’s degree. A shorthand reminder is “12 LING classes and 126 credits” in order to take advantage of this 6 additional credits of graduate tuition savings.
4. Students in the Accelerated program must meet all coursework and degree requirements for the Master’s program to which they have been admitted. Please consult the Graduate Student Handbook for particular program requirements. Credit for coursework can be earned through a combination of double-counted courses (6 credits), courses above and beyond those required for the BA degree (up to 6 credits), and courses taken after the BA degree has been completed.
5. Students pursuing the Accelerated MA in Language & Communication or Accelerated MS in Computational Linguistics may not choose the 24-credit option.
Application Process
- This is an honors program. Linguistics majors with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 both overall and in the major are eligible to apply for the program. Exceptions to this GPA requirement may be discussed with the Director of Master’s Programs.
- Discuss the program with your advising Dean for Linguistics and/or the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Linguistics Department. Interested juniors and seniors are also welcome to contact Dr. Alex Johnston, Master’s Programs Director, to discuss their applications and what courses might apply towards their Master’s degree program.
- Fill out the application using the Application Portal for the Georgetown University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. All application materials will be submitted through that portal and not to the Linguistics department. You will need to select your Program (MS or MA) and your concentration in order to apply. If you’re not sure about which program to apply to, email Dr. Johnston.
- The application consists of 1) A completed application form, 2) Your unofficial transcript(s) from Georgetown and any other institution, 3) Three letters of recommendation (we recommend at least 1-2 come from Linguistics faculty), 4) An academic statement of purpose, 5) An optional statement, and 5) A writing sample. You do not need to take the GRE.