Requirements for the Master of Arts in Linguistics
Candidates completing the program leading to an M.A. in Linguistics will have a fundamental understanding of the core areas in linguistics at an advanced level. In consultation with the Graduate Advisor candidates build on the core with their own program in order to pursue more individual goals.
-
Admission with Conditionally Classified Status:
Candidates with undergraduate majors other than Linguistics may be admitted to the Linguistics Graduate Program as Conditionally Classified candidates if they meet the Linguistics Department Admission Requirements stated above. They will be expected to complete prerequisite coursework equivalent to the 18-unit core of the BA Major: ENGL 301/ANTH 310, LING 402, LING 404, LING 408, LING 417, LING 441/427.
- Admission with Classified Status:
Candidates may be admitted to the Linguistics/TESL Graduate Program with Classified Status if they have 18 or more units in BA-level linguistics courses equivalent to the CSUN core major, all units earned with a grade of “B” or higher. Additionally, Classified Status requires successful completion of the UDWPE (Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam) or CSU equivalent, (b) completion of a foreign language requirement (see below), and (c) submission of a satisfactory GRE score where required. All M.A. candidates must apply for Classified Status before they complete more than 12 units above the prerequisite level.
- Foreign Language Requirement:
M.A. candidates in Linguistics are required to demonstrate proficiency in a non-native language. Native speakers of English may satisfy this requirement in one of three ways: (1) they may enroll for two semesters of coursework in a non-Romance language or three semesters of coursework in a Romance language AFTER initial acceptance into the program; (2) they may pass a departmental examination set by the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures (MCLL); or (3) they may submit a transcript showing that they hold a BA with a major in a foreign language completed within the previous 5 years. Students who are non-native speakers of English are exempt from this requirement. Students who wish to demonstrate proficiency in ASL to satisfy this requirement should consult the Department Chair. Students who choose to satisfy this requirement using coursework must earn grades of “B” or higher in each foreign language course. This requirement is intended to prepare students to read linguistics texts written in another language.
- Culminating Requirements:
M.A. candidates in Linguistics may select to complete their degrees by taking a Comprehensive Exam or writing a Thesis. Students selecting the Comprehensive Exam will enroll in LING 697 in the semester during which they plan to take the examination. Candidates selecting the Thesis Option must meet certain eligibility requirements as detailed in a Thesis brochure obtainable from the Department Chair. Students in the Thesis option enroll in 3 units of LING 698C with the permission of and in consultation with the Department Chair. Thesis units may not be offered every semester.
- Required Core Courses (9 Units):
- LING 501 Seminar in Phonology (3)
- LING 503 Seminar in Cognitive Linguistics (3)
or
LING 505 Seminar in Discourse Analysis (3) - LING 610 Seminar in Syntax (3)
- Electives (18-21 Units):
In consultation with the Graduate Advisor, candidates will select either 21 units of elective coursework and LING 697, Directed Comprehensive Studies (the Comprehensive Examination), or 18 units of elective coursework and LING 698C, the Thesis. All coursework must be from the 400-level and above, and at least 12 elective units must be selected from 500 and 600-level courses. Coursework can be chosen from the list of pre-approved electives; students wishing to take other courses as electives should consult with the Graduate Advisor. Candidates pursuing the M.A. in Linguistics will consult with the Graduate Advisor, and complete an Approved Program Form, reflecting the courses selected.
- Unit Count for M.A. in Linguistics
Comprehensive Exam Prerequisites 18 Foreign Language 6 or 9 Required Courses 9 Electives 21 Comprehensive Exam 3 Total Units: 57 Thesis Prerequisites 18 Foreign Language 6 or 9 Required Courses 9 Electives 18 Thesis 3 Total Units: 54
Students should be aware that theses require a minimum of two semesters of work even though only three units are earned.