For admission to the MA program, students must be able to demonstrate an adequate background in linguistics. Students having little or no academic preparation in linguistics will not be admitted to the program. In most cases, we require applicants to have completed significant course work covering core areas in linguistics. These requirements include an introductory course in linguistics, courses in phonetics, phonology, syntax, morphology and semantics.
In exceptional circumstances, it may be possible to admit students who do not meet the above requirements. We understand that courses like the above may not be available at all universities. In this case, the admissions committee may stipulate a number of courses that must be taken by the student beyond the basic requirements for the degree. Students admitted under such circumstances should expect to take an additional year or two to complete their programs.
Admission to the PhD program presupposes the above plus an MA degree in linguistics. Students are expected to have taken graduate-level courses in phonology and syntax as well as to have developed an area of specialization as demonstrated by a thesis, project, or extended course work.