COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA in Linguistics is a 15-unit graduate program designed to provide advanced training in applied linguistics, with a strong focus on second language acquisition (SLA) and second language teaching methodology. All students complete core applied linguistics courses including LING573 (Second Language Acquisition Theory and Research), LING574 (Seminar in Applied Linguistics), and LING575 (Research Methods in Applied Linguistics), which build a foundation in theory, research, and methodological approaches. In addition, students take core linguistics courses from key subfields, including syntax, morphology, and phonology, by completing selected courses such as LING503, LING504, LING505, LING508, or LING510, ensuring a broad understanding of linguistic structure and analysis. The program also requires participation in academic dissemination activities, such as presenting research at a conference or colloquium, and the development and approval of a formal research proposal. Students choose between two pathways: a project-based option or a thesis option. In the project-based route, students complete 3.0 units of electives (including up to 1.5 units from related graduate-level courses in other departments) and a 4.5-unit Major Research Paper (LING598). In the thesis option, students complete a 7.5-unit MA thesis (LING599). Both pathways emphasize independent research, culminating in a major scholarly work, and prepare students for careers in language education, research, and applied linguistics.