Linguistics - Master of Arts (MA)

The goal of this master's program is to provide students with sufficient knowledge of linguistics to enable them to work in industry and organizations, where knowledge of linguistics helps in problem solving. The program also helps students determine in a relatively short time whether they want to make research in linguistics a lifelong career, and prepares students who decide to do so to apply to the PhD program at CU or at other institutions.

Students wishing to pursue graduate work in linguistics should carefully read the master's degree requirements section of this catalog, as well as the detailed degree requirements available on the departmental website.

Bachelor's–Accelerated Master's Degree Program

Students may earn this degree as part of the Bachelor's–Accelerated Master's (BAM) degree program, which allows currently enrolled CU Boulder undergraduate students the opportunity to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in a shorter period of time.

For more information, see the Accelerated Master's tab for the associated Bachelor's degree(s): Linguistics - Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Requirements

Admission Requirements

Applicants should hold a recognized baccalaureate degree, and should have considerable knowledge of a language other than their native language. This knowledge may have been gained by formal study or by use of the language in a country, community or institution where it is the usual means of communication. The department may require formal study of a foreign language by graduate students whose proficiency in this area is less than the equivalent of the college junior level.

GRE scores are optional. TOEFL or IELTS scores are normally required from international applicants.

Degree Requirements

The master's degree calls for a minimum of three semesters of study, though most students require four semesters. Courses are normally taken at the 5000 level or above.

All students must pass a comprehensive written examination covering general topics in linguistics.

Degree Plans

Plan I: Thesis Option

Students in this plan must complete a total of 30 credit hours, at least 24 of which must be in linguistics, including 4–6 thesis credit hours.

Plan II: Non-Thesis

Students in this plan must complete a total of 30 credit hours of coursework, at least 24 of which must be in linguistics.