M.A. in LLCL: Linguistics

The MA in LLCL: Linguistics program prepares students for a broad range of opportunities in language education and research. Our alumni have found employment in public and private schools, colleges, and institutes, here in South Florida and overseas. Our graduates hold positions directing ESL, EAP, and Remedial English programs; they teach English or foreign languages both in the US and abroad; and some have continued their education in doctoral programs in related fields.

How do we prepare graduates for such a broad range of contexts?

Our MA program combines theoretical and applied linguistics, providing students with a well-balanced grounding of theory and practice. Thus, our students graduate with a broad range of expertise that allows them to successfully compete in today’s global job market. They are well-suited to not only apply pedagogical techniques but also interpret the research literature and integrate it into their particular instructional situation. Students have the choice of an MA degree with thesis and a non-thesis option.

Our Department offers financial support for MA students in the form of Graduate Teaching Assistantships that include a stipend and tuition waiver. GTAs assist with or teach undergraduate courses in linguistics or one of the languages offered in the Department (Arabic, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, or Spanish). Our graduate classes can be attended remotely upon request.

M.A. (thesis option)

The MA degree with thesis option requires 30 credit hours: 24 of course work and 6 of thesis credit. For all graduate work students must earn a B or better to receive credit toward the degree. Students who earn a B- or less will need to retake the course or substitute another in order to fulfill the requirement.

M.A. (non-thesis option)

The MA degree non-thesis option requires 36 credit hours of course work and a comprehensive exam. For all graduate work students must earn a B or better to receive credit toward the degree. Students who earn a B- or less will need to retake the course or substitute another in order to fulfill the requirement.

Comprehensive Exams

Students in the thesis track must complete an oral comprehensive examination that examines the student's knowledge of the foundational terms and concepts in linguistics. Typically, the student is examined by the thesis committee in Week 7 of the third semester of graduate studies. The oral exam lasts approximately one hour and a half. If a student does not pass the oral exam, it may be repeated once within one year of the date of the original exam. Students in the non-thesis track must complete a written comprehensive examination administered by their graduate committee, usually during Weeks 6 and 7 of the last semester of course work. The examination will be drawn from a list of foundational concepts in theoretical, historical, and applied linguistics. It will be administered on two different days (4 hours per day). If a student fails the written examination, it may be repeated once within one year of the date of the original exam. For more information on the oral & written exams, please consult the Comprehensive Exam Reading List for your cohort:

  • Reading List (students who began the program in/after Fall 2019)
  • Reading List (students who began the program in/before Spring 2019)

English as a Second Language (ESL) Studies Certificate

The ESL Studies Certificate is a graduate/undergraduate program that expands and complements your Linguistics degree. This certificate is especially appropriate for those who wish to teach English to adult non-native speakers in intensive English institutes, community colleges, private schools, and in international contexts.

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