About the Program

The Master of Linguistics seeks to deepen understanding of language by examining how it is represented, used, and processed. We work toward this goal through courses in theoretical linguistics, focusing on phonology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and psycholinguistics as well as the interfaces among these domains of inquiry. In order to explore questions in these areas, we provide training in multiple methods, including field methods, corpus-based methods, and experimental research methods, to collect and analyze data from a wide range of the world's languages, and from both native and non-native speakers of these languages.

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.

Competencies

1. Upon completion, MA linguistics graduates will be able to discuss fundamental concepts in their areas of specialization clearly and coherently.
2. Upon completion, MA linguistics graduates will be able to demonstrate mastery of how to set up a research project in linguistics.
3. Upon completion, MA linguistics graduates will be able to successfully describe a research project that meets basic methodological standards in the discipline.
4. Upon completion, MA linguistics graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the structural properties of language at the sound, word, sentence, and meaning levels.
5. Upon completion, MA linguistics graduates will be able to collect language data for a project, drawing from common sources in the discipline (e.g., via interactions with relevant speakers or the use of online tools to query language corpora).

Admissions Requirements

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 into a degree program in the Department of Linguistics & TESOL is decided based on both quantitative and qualitative factors.

Quantitative Factors

Grade Point Average (GPA)

For MA program applicants, undergraduate GPA is determined by the U.T. Arlington Graduate School.

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.

Qualitative Factors

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.

Statement of intent

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. The statement should also convey a level of commitment and maturity commensurate with the applicant’s desired degree goals.

Undergraduate Preparation

Applicants to the MA in TESOL program should have passed the following three courses or reasonable equivalents as determined by the TESOL graduate advisor (UT Arlington equivalents are noted in parentheses):

• English composition (ENGL 1302)
• A course on English-language literature (ENGL 2319, ENGL 2329)
• The equivalent of a fourth-semester course in a foreign language (SPAN 2314, FREN 2314, etc.). Students whose undergraduate education was delivered in a language other than English are exempt from this requirement.

Writing Sample (optional)

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.

Unconditional Admission

Typically, applicants for the MA in Linguistics will be offered unconditional admission if they meet the following criteria:

1. The applicant presents an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
2. 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 IELTS equivalent score.

Probationary Admission

Applicants will be considered for probationary admission if presenting a complete application that includes the following:

• lacks the undergraduate preparation specified above, but who otherwise meet 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 MA Linguistics student.

Curriculum

The Linguistics MA (Non-thesis) requires 36 hours of graduate-level coursework plus comprehensive examination on the coursework.

Foundations
LING 5320	PHONOLOGICAL THEORY	3
or LING 5322	LABORATORY PHONOLOGY
LING 5330	FORMAL SYNTAX	3
LING 5347	PRAGMATICS	3
or LING 5345	SEMANTICS
LING 5328	PSYCHOLINGUISTICS: SENTENCE PROCESSING	3
or LING 5318	APPLIED PSYCHOLINGUISTICS
or LING 5338	PSYCHOLINGUISTICS: VISUAL WORD RECOGNITION
Electives 1
Select eight courses in consultation with the graduate advisor.		24
Total Hours		36

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Students with no prior study in linguistics (as indicated by an official transcript) will be encouraged to complete the following three leveling courses before enrolling in more advanced courses:

• LING 5300: Linguistic Analysis
• LING 3330: Phonetics and Phonology
• LING 3340: Grammar and Morphology

These leveling classes will be counted towards the 24 credit elective-course requirement. Please consult your Linguistics MA advisor before selecting electives.

Advising Resources

​Students are highly encouraged to meet regularly with their assigned advisor—at least once per semester and before enrolling in classes—to ensure steady academic progress, identify new opportunities, and align their coursework with their long-term career goals.

Location:

530 University Hall

Email:

ling.advisor@uta.edu

Phone:

817-272-3133

Web:

Meet our advisors