Nov 27, 2024  
2013-2015 University Catalog 
    
2013-2015 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Linguistics, Communication and Semantics Specialization, MA


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(30 units)

Master of Arts in Linguistics


Admission to Graduate Standing - Conditionally Classified


Students must meet the CSU requirements for admission to a master’s degree program. Please consult the Graduate Admissions  section in this catalog for complete information.

Graduate Standing - Classified


Classified graduate standing requires a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics or a related field from an accredited institution with at least 3.0 GPA in the major courses provided that a minimum of 24 units of upper-division coursework is included.

If the student holds a bachelor’s degree in a major other than linguistics, 24 units of upper-division coursework in linguistics with a minimum of 3.0 GPA must have been completed, including:

Additional Information


A student who has not completed one or more of the preceding four courses may enroll in the required course(s) concurrently with graduate coursework in the program.

If the student lacks the prerequisite number of linguistics courses, they must be made up with at least a 3.0 GPA in such makeup coursework. In the event that the student’s GPA in prerequisite Linguistics courses is less than 3.0, six to nine units of probationary, adviser-approved coursework may be assigned. If the GPA in these probationary courses is 3.0 or better, the student may be classified. Some courses taken to make up qualitative deficiencies may be credited toward the M.A. if completed with a “B” (3.0) or better, and if applicable to the student’s particular study plan. Courses taken to remove quantitative deficiencies may not be applied to the M.A. program.

Knowledge of one foreign language is required (equivalent of Modern Languages 317 course). Students without coursework in a foreign language may demonstrate proficiency by a score of average or better on the MLA-ETS Proficiency Examination for Advanced Students. Work toward fulfillment of this requirement may be taken concurrently with graduate work in linguistics.

Modifications of certain prerequisite requirements may be permitted in exceptional circumstances.

A study plan must be developed and approved for admission to classified graduate standing.

Study Plan


Linguistics or a Related Field Elective (3 units)


Project (3 units)


A minimum of 15 units in 500-level courses is required. Satisfactory completion of a written comprehensive examination is required at the conclusion of the program. The examination may be repeated only once. A reading list for the examination and specifications for the project are available in the program office.

For further information, consult the graduate adviser.

Specialized Electives (9 units)


Coursework selected from any one of the five areas of specialization, including other courses in the university with the approval of the adviser:

Total (30 units)


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