M.A. in Linguistics

Students may seek an M.A. in Linguistics either as their terminal degree or as a prerequisite for the Ph.D program in Linguistics. However, students should note that successful completion of the M.A. program does not guarantee entry into the Ph.D. program; students must also submit a Ph.D. application portfolio which must be reviewed and unanimously approved by the Linguistics faculty.

The M.A. program is appropriate for students seeking linguistic knowledge as a foundation for work in such allied professional fields as language teaching, interpreter education, language planning, bilingual education, and language assessment. Graduates of this program are sought for positions in interpreter training programs, faculty teaching posts at the college level, or, given the appropriate educational background, for positions as teachers of Deaf children.

Students pursuing the M.A. in Linguistics at Gallaudet receive solid grounding in linguistic theory, methods, and research with a special emphasis on sign language linguistics. The program begins with foundational courses in linguistic theory, centered on phonology, cognitive linguistics and generative linguistics, focusing on both spoken and signed languages. Additionally, students receive training in working with new sign languages (Field Methods) and in various professional skills related to being a linguist (e.g. linguistic technical writing, use of video and software resources for analyzing sign data, applying for doctoral programs and jobs, etc.). In their second year, students select five elective courses out of a set of seven advanced courses according to their interests; topics vary from year to year. The M.A. program requires 41 credit hours of coursework. Full-time graduate students normally complete the program in four semesters. The program is designed to be completed during the fall and spring semesters, without weekend or summer coursework.

*NOTE: Students with prior coursework in linguistics from another institution may request course transfers and/or waivers for one or more courses, but these requests are approved on a case by case basis by the linguistics faculty.

Admissions Procedures

Applicants for the M.A. in Linguistics must complete the application procedures and meet the requirements for graduate study at Gallaudet University. Visit the Graduate Admissions web site for more information and a checklist of application requirements. Detailed program information and course descriptions are also available in the Graduate Catalog.

Accept applications on a rolling basis; will start reviewing applications on February 15. Ultimate deadline is April 15 or until all positions are filled.

Program Specific Requirements

GRE
Three letters of reference (at least one academic reference and one that cites sign language skills)
Videotape of ASL signing - Please contact department for guidelines

Recommended Undergraduate Major

Language
Math
Science

Recommended Prior Coursework

Introduction to Linguistics
Logic
Foreign Language

Program of Study

Core Courses

LIN 701 Phonology I (4)
LIN 731 Phonology II (3)
LIN 702 Generative Linguistics I (4)
LIN 733 Generative Linguistics II (3)
LIN 721 Cognitive Linguistics (4)
LIN 732 Cognitive Linguistics II (3)
LIN 703 Proseminar (1)
LIN 771 Field Methods (4)

Program Requirements

Elective Courses in Linguistics

Students must complete at least 15 credit hours of elective graduate courses in linguistics. Elective courses are selected from a list of at least 7 approved courses in consultation with the student's advisor. Elective courses may be taken through the consortium and should focus on aspects of linguistic theory or research related to the student's professional goals.

Siena School for Liberal Arts: Gallaudet University has an agreement in place whereby students can take summer courses offered by the Siena School for Liberal Arts in Siena, Italy, for elective credit.  Please see http://fulbright.gallaudet.edu for details - look for the Siena School information at the bottom of the homepage.

Sign Language Fluency

All applicants to the program must have sufficient skill and experience in American Sign Language (ASL) to participate fully in classroom discussions conducted in ASL. Applicants are requested to provide a brief video in ASL as part of their application materials. Please contact the Department for video guidelines.

Qualifying Examinations

All students must take qualifying examinations during the first year of coursework. Students who do not achieve a passing score will be dismissed from the program.

Typical Program of Study (M.A.)

Semester I - Fall

LIN 701 Phonology I (4)
LIN 702 Generative Linguistics I (4)
LIN 721 Cognitive Linguistics I (4)

Semester II - Spring

LIN 703 Proseminar (1)
LIN 731 Phonology II (3)
LIN 732 Cognitive Linguistics II (3)
LIN 733 Generative Linguistics II (3)

Semester III - Fall

LIN 771 Field Methods (4)
Elective #1- Choice 1 of 3 courses (see list below) (3)
Elective #2- Choice 2 of 3 courses (see list below) (3)

Semester IV - Spring

Elective #3- Choice 1 of 4 courses (see list below) (3)
Elective #4- Choice 2 of 4 courses (see list below) (3)
Elective #5- Choice 3 of 4 courses (see list below) (3)

List of electives to choose from (sample selection):

LIN 510 Language Acquisition
LIN 543 Bilingualism
LIN 585 Prosody in Spoken and Signed Languages
LIN 741 Sociolinguistics in Deaf Communities
LIN 745 Language and Culture
LIN 811 First Language Acquisition
LIN 812 Second Language Acquisition
LIN 841 Discourse Analysis
LIN 860 Language Variation