University Catalog

Objectives

Admission Requirements for MA Programs in Linguistics or in TESOL

In evaluating candidates for admissions to its graduate degree programs, the Linguistics & TESOL faculty have adopted a comprehensive approach that is sensitive to the diversity of backgrounds of its applicants. To this end, the following constellation of quantitative and qualitative factors has been established to make explicit the range of criteria upon which admissions decisions will be based. These factors are then applied to the Admission Metrics established for each degree program.

Admission Factors

Admission decisions into a degree program in the Department of Linguistics & TESOL are made on the basis of two types of factors, quantitative and qualitative.

1. Quantitative Factors
   1. Grade Point Average (GPA). For M.A. program applicants, undergraduate GPA is determined by the U.T. Arlington Graduate School.
   2. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores. All applicants are required to submit GRE scores. There are no exceptions. The Department of Linguistics & TESOL evaluates each applicant’s sub-scores separately: verbal, quantitative, and analytical.
   3. TOEFL Scores (international applications only) Applicants for whom English is not their native language and who have not been granted either an undergraduate or graduate degree by an English-medium institution must also present a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS equivalent score. There are no exceptions.
2. Qualitative Factors
   1. Letters of Recommendation. Each applicant must present three (3) letters of recommendation that unequivocally indicate that the applicant is prepared for and capable of successful graduate study in linguistics or TESOL at U.T. Arlington. The letters should further indicate that the applicant is capable of completing the appropriate degree program.
   2. Statement of intent for academic study in our department. Each applicant must write a statement that explains their plan of study and specialization in our department. The statement will be evaluated on the degree to which it is clear, reasonable, and consistent with the research and teaching agenda of the current faculty in Linguistics & TESOL at U.T. Arlington. The statement should also convey a level of commitment and maturity commensurate with the applicant’s desired degree goals.
   3. Undergraduate Preparation. Applicants to the M.A. in TESOL program should have passed the following three courses or reasonable equivalents as determined by the TESOL graduate advisor (U.T. Arlington equivalents are noted in parentheses):
      1. English composition (ENGL 1302 RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II)
      2. A course on English-language literature (ENGL 2319 BRITISH LITERATURE, ENGL 2329 AMERICAN LITERATURE)
      3. The equivalent of a fourth-semester course in a foreign language (SPAN 2314 INTERMEDIATE SPANISH II, FREN 2314 INTERMEDIATE FRENCH II, etc.). Students whose undergraduate education was delivered in a language other than English are exempt from this requirement.
   4. Writing Sample (required for PhD applicants, optional for MA programs): Applicants must submit an academic writing sample (research paper) of 20 pages or less. The paper must be in an area of language, teaching, or linguistic study, and demonstrate a strong prose style, a solid handle on argumentation, and the ability to do academic research in linguistics or a closely related field.

Admission Metrics

In formulating a recommendation for admission, the graduate advisors will apply the following admission metrics to each applicant’s admission dossier.

1. M.A. in Linguistics
   1. Unconditional Admission. Typically, applicants for the M.A. in Linguistics will be offered unconditional admission if they meet either of the following sets of criteria:
      1. The applicant presents an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, a GRE Verbal score of at least 450 (150 on the 2011 or later version), a GRE Quantitative score of at least 550 (146 on the 2011 or later system), a GRE Analytical score of at least 4.5, and a full set of acceptable Qualitative Factors In addition, applicants for whom English in not their native language and who have not been granted an undergraduate degree by an English-medium institution must also present a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 100 iBt, or 250 if computer based, or 600 if paper based, or IELTS equivalent score.
      2. The applicant presents an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.5, a GRE Verbal score of at least 400 (146 on the 2011 or later version), a GRE Quantitative score of at least 500 (144 on the 201a or later system), a GRE Analytical score of at least 4.0, and a full set of acceptable Qualitative Factors. In addition, applicants for whom English is not their native language and who have not been granted an undergraduate degree by an English-medium institution must also present a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 100 iBt, or 250 if computer based, or 600 if paper based, or IELTS equivalent score.
   2. Probationary Admission. Applicants for the M.A. in Linguistics typically present a complete application that has one of the following:
      1. includes a GRE Verbal score of less than 400 (146); or
      2. includes a GRE Quantitative score of less than 500 (144); or
      3. includes a GRE Analytical score of less than 4.0; or
      4. lacks the undergraduate preparation specified above, but who otherwise meet a majority of the remaining admission criteria (including an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0), will be eligible for probationary admission. Students on probation must:
         • complete any undergraduate courses necessary for unconditional admission during their first two semesters of study; and
         • achieve a GPA of at least 3.3 in the first 9 graduate-level credit hours (in LING courses) as an M.A. Linguistics student.
2. M.A. in TESOL
   1. Unconditional Admission. Typically, applicants for the M.A. in TESOL will be offered unconditional admission if they meet either of the following two sets of criteria:
      1. The applicant presents an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, a GRE Verbal score of at least 550 (156 on the 2011 or later version), a GRE Quantitative score of at least 450 (141 on the 2011 or later version), a GRE Analytical score of at least 4.5, and a full set of Qualitative Factors. In addition, applicants for whom English is not their native language and who have not been granted an undergraduate degree by an English-medium institution must also present a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 100 iBt, or 250 if computer based, or 600 if paper based, or IELTS equivalent score.
      2. The applicant presents an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.5, a GRE Verbal score of at least 500 (153 on the 2011 or later version), a GRE Quantitative score of at least 400 (140 on the 2011 or later version), a GRE Analytical score of at least 4.0, and a full set of Qualitative Factors. In addition, applicants for whom English is not their native language and who have not been granted an undergraduate degree by a English-medium institution must also present a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 100 iBt, or 250 if computer based, or 600 if paper based, or IELTS equivalent score.
   2. Probationary Admission. Applicants for the M.A. in TESOL typically present a complete application that has one of the following:
      1. includes a GRE Verbal score of less than 500 (153);; or
      2. includes a GRE Quantitative score of less than 400 (140); or
      3. includes a GRE Analytical score of less than 4.0; or
      4. lacks the undergraduate preparation specified above but who otherwise meet a majority of the remaining admission criteria (including an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0), will be eligible for probationary admission. Students on probation must:
         • complete any undergraduate courses necessary for unconditional admission during their first two semesters of study; and
         • achieve a GPA of at least 3.3 in the first 9 graduate-level courses taken as an M.A. TESOL student.

Master's Degree Requirements

Linguistics

Graduate programs in linguistics are primarily designed for those with a background in one or more foreign languages and/or a background in the linguistic aspects of the English language. A graduate career in linguistics may also be appropriate to those with undergraduate study in anthropology, psychology, computer science, philosophy, or religion. Applicants without formal training in linguistics are invited to apply, provided that they are prepared to meet the department’s requirements for leveling courses.

Requirements for master’s and doctoral degrees are given in the Advanced Degrees and Requirements section of this catalog. In addition, the following apply to those pursuing a graduate degree in linguistics:

All students pursing a graduate degree in linguistics must meet the degree prerequisites and must take the core courses appropriate to their degree as published on the department’s Web site, http://www.uta.edu/linguistics/current-students/degrees/index.php.

Linguistics Degree Plan

M.A. Non-Thesis Degree Plan: 36 hours of graduate-level coursework plus comprehensive examination on the coursework.

TESOL Degree Plan

The graduate degree in TESOL is primarily designed for those intending to teach English to adult learners, either in US colleges, in conjunction with community groups, or by working abroad.

M.A. Non-Thesis Degree Plan: 36 hours of graduate-level coursework plus comprehensive examination on the coursework.

All M.A. TESOL students must demonstrate knowledge of a foreign language prior to unconditional admission to the degree program. Those without such background may pursue study of a foreign language at U.T. Arlington concurrent with probationary enrollment in the M.A. TESOL program.

For additional information on prerequisites or degree requirements, consult the TESOL graduate advisor.

Admission Requirements for the PhD in Linguistics

In evaluating candidates for admissions to its graduate degree programs, the Linguistics & TESOL faculty have adopted a comprehensive approach that is sensitive to the diversity of backgrounds of its applicants. To this end, the following constellation of quantitative and qualitative factors has been established to make explicit the range of criteria upon which admissions decisions will be based. These factors are then applied to the Admission Metrics established for each degree program.

Admission Factors

Admission decisions into a degree program in the Department of Linguistics & TESOL are made on the basis of two types of factors, quantitative and qualitative. PhD applicants must include an academic writing sample.

1. Quantitative Factors
   1. Grade Point Average (GPA
      1. For Ph.D. program applicants, GPA is based on all graduate work completed and recorded at the time the applicant submits an application for admission.
      2. For BA-to-PhD applicants, GPA is on the undergraduate GPA as determined by the UT Arlington Graduate School.
   2. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores. All applicants are required to submit GRE scores. There are no exceptions. The Department of Linguistics & TESOL evaluates each applicant’s sub-scores separately: verbal, quantitative, and analytical.
   3. TOEFL Scores (international applications only) Applicants for whom English is not their native language must also present a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS equivalent score. There are no exceptions.
2. Qualitative Factors
   1. Letters of Recommendation. Each applicant must present three (3) letters of recommendation that unequivocally indicate that the applicant is prepared for and capable of successful graduate study in linguistics or TESOL at UT Arlington. The letters should further indicate that the applicant is capable of completing the appropriate degree program.
   2. Statement of intent for academic study in our department. Each applicant must write a statement that explains their plan of study and specialization in our department. The statement will be evaluated on the degree to which it is clear, reasonable, and consistent with the research and teaching agenda of the current faculty in Linguistics & TESOL at UT Arlington. Prospective applicants should consider the departmental website and faculty research and teaching areas as they evaluate whether they would be able to accomplish their plan of study in our department, especially if they are applying to the doctoral program. Possible areas of specialization are those outlined at http://www.uta.edu/linguistics/current-students/degrees/phd-linguistics/index.php. The statement should also convey a level of commitment and maturity commensurate with the applicant’s desired degree goals.
   3. Applicants to the Ph.D. in Linguistics programs should have passed the following three courses or reasonable equivalents as determined by the graduate advisor (UT Arlington equivalents are noted as in parentheses):
      1. English composition (ENGL 1302 RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II)
      2. College-level mathematics (MATH 1302 COLLEGE ALGEBRA)
      3. A laboratory science (any 1000-level course in BIOL, CHEM, GEOL or PHYS; LING 5322 LABORATORY PHONOLOGY may also be used to fulfill this requirement)
   4. Applicants to the Ph.D. and the BA-to-Ph.D in Linguistics programs should present all of the following: evidence of research activity during undergraduate studies; an undergraduate transcript showing courswork which demonstrates that the applicant has passed with a B or higher the following three courses or reasonable equivalents as determined by the graduate advisor (UT Arlington equivalents are noted as in parentheses):
      1. Introduction to linguistics (LING 3311 INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTIC SCIENCE/LING 5300 LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS)
      2. Phonetics and phonology (LING 3330 PHONETICS AND PHONOLOGY)
      3. Morphology and syntax (LING 3340 SYNTAX I)
   5. Previous Graduate Work. Ph.D. applicants must present at least 30 semester credit hours of previous graduate-level coursework in any field (not necessarily linguistics) and must meet the linguistics course equivalents (LING 3311 INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTIC SCIENCE/LING 5300 LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS, LING 3330 PHONETICS AND PHONOLOGY, LING 3340 SYNTAX I).
   6. Ph.D. applicants who present fewer than 30 semester credit hours will be assessed based on whether they meet the criteria for unconditional admission for the accelerated Ph.D. in linguistics, and whether their coursework includes the linguistics course equivalents (LING 3311 INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTIC SCIENCE/LING 5300 LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS, LING 3330 PHONETICS AND PHONOLOGY, LING 3340 SYNTAX I). Such candidates who meet the unconditional admission criterion and who also have passed the three linguistics course equivalents will be considered for the BA-to-PhD program (i.e., "doctoral-bound"). Ph.D. applicants who present fewer than 30 semester credit hours and do not meet the unconditional admission criterion AND also the criterion of passing the three linguistics course equivalents will automatically be considered as applicants to the M.A. Linguistics program.
   7. Writing Sample (required for PhD applicants): Applicants must submit an academic writing sample (research paper) of 20 pages or less. The paper must be in an area of language or linguistic study, and demonstrate a strong prose style, a solid handle on argumentation, and the ability to do academic research in linguistics or a closely related field.

Admission Metrics

In formulating a recommendation for admission, the graduate advisors will apply the following admission metrics to each applicant’s admission dossier.

1. BA-to-PhD applicants in Linguistics
   1. Unconditional admission. Typically, applicants for the BA-to-Ph.D. in Linguistics program must be admitted unconditionally. Unconditional admission requirements are as follows. The applicant presents an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.6 (on a 4.0 scale) based on upper division course work (junior and senior level or equivalent) in a four year BA in linguistics program or a BA or BS in an allied field. Regardless of degree program, the coursework must include courses equivalent to LING 3330 PHONETICS AND PHONOLOGY and LING 3340 SYNTAX I. In additon, the applicant presents a GRE Verbal score of at least 450, a GRE Quantitative score of at least 550, a GRE Analytical score of at least 4.0, and a full set of excellent Qualitative Factors. In addition, applicants for whom English is not their native language and who have not been granted an undergraduate degree by an English-medium institution must also submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 100 iBt, or 250 if computer based, or 600 if paper based(or its IELTS equivalent) and also submit a score from the Test of Spoken English, the Speaking Section of the TOEFL iBT, or the Speaking Section of the IELTS that documents the applicant’s proficiency in spoken English. The speaking score is used for making determination for assistantships; applicants who wish to be considered for an assistantship must receive a score of 45 or higher on the TSE, a score of 23 on the Speaking Section of the TOEFL iBT, or a score of 7 on the Speaking Section of the IELTS. This and other requirements for holding an assistantship are described in the Graduate Assistantship/Associateship Policy.
2. Ph.D. in Linguistics
   1. Unconditional Admission. Typically, applicants for the Ph.D. in Linguistics will be eligible for unconditional admission if they meet either of the following sets of criteria:
      1. The applicant presents a graduate GPA of at least 3.3, a GRE Verbal score of at least 500 (153 on the 2011 or later version), a GRE Quantitative score of at least 600 (148 on the 2011 or later version), a GRE Analytical score of at least 4.5, and a full set of excellent Qualitative Factors. In addition, applicants for whom English is not their native language and who have not been granted an undergraduate degree by an English-medium institution must also submit scores on the Speaking section of either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the IELTS.In addition, applicants for whom English is not their native language and who have not been granted an undergraduate degree by an English-medium institution must also submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 100 iBt, or 250 if computer based, or 600 if paper based (or its IELTS equivalent) and also submit a score from the Test of Spoken English, the Speaking Section of the TOEFL iBT,or the Speaking Section of the IELTS. that documents the applicant’s proficiency in spoken English. The speaking score is used for making determinations for assistantships; applicants who wish to be considered for an assistantship must receive a score of 45 or higher on the TSE, a score of 23 on the Speaking Section of the TOEFL iBT, or a score of 7 on the Speaking Section of the IELTS. This and other requirements for holding an assistantship are described in the University’s Graduate Assistantship/Associateship Policy.
      2. The applicant presents an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.6, a GRE Verbal score of at least 450 (150 on the 2011 or later version), a GRE Quantitative score of at least 550 (146 on the 2011 or later version), a GRE Analytical score of at least 4.0, and a full set of excellent Qualitative Factors. In addition, applicants for whom English is not their native language and who have not been granted an undergraduate degree by an English-medium institution must also submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 100 iBt, or 250 if computer based, or 600 if paper based (or its IELTS equivalent) and also submit a score from the Test of Spoken English, the Speaking Section of the TOEFL iBT,or the Speaking Section of the IELTS. that documents the applicants’ proficiency in spoken English. The speaking score is used for making determinations for assistantships; applicants who wish to considered for an assistantship must receive a score of 45 or higher on the TSE, a score of 23 on the Speaking Section of the TOEFL iBT, or a score of 7 on the Speaking Section of the IELTS. This and other requirements for holding an assistantship are described in the University’s Graduate Assistantship/Associateship Policy.
   2. Probationary Admission. Applicants for the Ph.D. in Linguistics typically present a complete application that has one of the following:
      1. includes a GRE Verbal score of less than 450 (150);
      2. or includes a GRE Quantitative score of less than 550 (146); or
      3. includes a GRE Analytical score of less than 4.0
      4. lacks the undergraduate preparation specified above but who otherwise meet a majority of the remaining admission criteria (including a graduate GPA of at least 3.3 and for doctoral admissions, presents strong qualitative materials), will be considered for probationary admission. Students on probation must:
         • Deferred Admission Applicants for whom the admission file is incomplete will have a final decision admission deferred. In such cases, a final decision will be made only when the applicant presents a complete admission file.
         • Denial of Admission Applicants who do not meet a majority of the admission standards (both quantitative and qualitative) set forth above will be denied admission. For doctoral admission in particular, qualitative factors such as writing sample, statement of intent, or area of intended work may result in a student being denied admission even when quantitative factors are met.
         • Regarding Provisional Admission: The Department of Linguistics and TESOL does not permit Provisional Admission. All applicants must present a complete set of credentials before their application will be evaluated.

Doctoral Degree Requirements

Linguistics

Graduate programs in linguistics are primarily designed for those with a background in one or more foreign languages and/or a background in the linguistic aspects of the English language. A graduate career in linguistics may also be appropriate to those with undergraduate study in anthropology, psychology, computer science, philosophy, or religion. Applicants without formal training in linguistics are invited to apply, provided that they are prepared to meet the department’s requirements for leveling courses.

Requirements for master’s and doctoral degrees are given in the Advanced Degrees and Requirements section of this catalog. In addition, the following apply to those pursuing a graduate degree in linguistics:

All students pursing a graduate degree in linguistics must meet the degree prerequisites and must take the core courses appropriate to their degree as published on the department’s Web site, http://www.uta.edu/linguistics/current-students/degrees/index.php.

Ph.D. Degree Plan

Students entering the Ph.D. program (including those entering as doctoral-bound) must enter having the equivalent of LING 5300 LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS/LING 3311 INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTIC SCIENCE, LING 3330 PHONETICS AND PHONOLOGY, and LING 3340 SYNTAX I. In the first two semesters of the program, students are expected to enroll in the core required classes. The doctoral degree requires graduate coursework as follows: 18 hours of linguistic core courses, 9 hours of methods courses, 3 hours of professional development, 15 hours of electives, 3 hours of dissertation proposal preparation (LING 6391 RESEARCH IN LINGUISTICS) and a minimum of 9 hours of dissertation (LING 6999 DISSERTATION). Students entering with a M.A. in linguistics from UTA may be able to waive up to 15 hours, at the discretion of the department, for equivalent courses completed at a B or higher in their master’s program.

BA-to-PH.D. students must successfully defend their dissertation proposal in order to be granted the M.A. degree in linguistics.

All Ph.D. students must demonstrate knowledge of core areas in linguistics by passing the diagnostic examination requirement outlined on the departmental website.

Doctoral students must satisfy all the coursework requirements of the doctoral program prior to taking courses that do not fulfill the requirements. Any exception to this policy must be approved by a majority vote of the Graduate Studies Committee.

In addition, there are foreign language and professional activities requirements that must be met. Visit http://www.uta.edu/linguistics/current-students/degrees/phd-linguistics/index.php for details.

Admissions Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in TESOL

Students wishing to apply to the UT Arlington Graduate School solely for the purpose of earning the Graduate Certificate in TESOL must have earned an undergraduate degree at an accredited institution and present an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (as determined by the UT Arlington Graduate School). Applicants for whom English is not their native language and who have not been granted an undergraduate degree by an English-medium institution must also present an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 100 iBt, or 250 if computer based, or 600 if paper based (or IELTS equivalent score).

Students seeking to transfer from Special Student or Certificate status into a graduate degree program at UT Arlington must re-apply to the U.T. Arlington Graduate School as degree-seeking students and meet all published admissions requirements, including those pertaining to standardized tests. No student will be "automatically" or "exceptionally" moved from Special Student or Certificate status into any graduate degree program.

The Web site for the UT Arlington Office of Graduate Studies provides additional information about graduate study at UT Arlington and about the admission process, including general testing requirements and other paperwork. Students may apply for admission online or request application materials be sent via post.

Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

This program provides preparation through study and practice for the individual who wishes to teach English to speakers of other languages. It is available to any student who has been admitted to the Graduate School at UT Arlington.

The certificate requires:

A maximum of three credit hours of course work done at another institution can be transferred in and counted toward the certificate (with an official transcript submitted to show this course, and with approval of the graduate advisor.)

Upon beginning study for the certificate, the student should contact the Graduate Advisor in TESOL to declare the intention to earn the certificate.