Graduate Program

Master of Arts in Linguistics

At the University of Rochester, the MA program provides students with a solid foundation in all of the core areas of linguistics, including:

• Phonetics
• Phonology
• Morphology
• Syntax
• Semantics
• Pragmatics

Additional advanced courses provide depth and enrichment in one or more specific areas of linguistics, with a focus on both theoretical/formal and experimental/empirical linguistics. The MA in Linguistics prepares students for further work at the PhD level in Linguistics or related fields, or for employment in teaching or industry.

The Department of Linguistics at the University of Rochester is strongly engaged in collaborative research and is devoted to involving graduate students in research. MA students in Linguistics work closely with faculty on developing their own research interests and participate in faculty members’ research projects. For ongoing research in the Department, see our research page. Additionally, MA students have the opportunity to work as research or teaching assistants.

Program Requirements

The Linguistics MA program is a 32-credit program designed to be completed in two years, as either a traditional or research-focused degree program. 

Students pursuing a traditional MA in Linguistics program will complete 32 credit hours of coursework during the first three semesters and write their MA essay in the final semester. 

Students engaged in a research-focused MA in Linguistics will complete: 

• Twelve credits of coursework during the first semester 
• Eight credits of coursework and four credits of research in the second semester 
• Four credits of coursework and four credits of research in the third semester 
• A master's thesis during the final semester 

A research-focused MA in Linguistics is especially ideal for students with a previous degree in Linguistics planning to pursue subsequent PhD-level training.

Core Courses: 12 Credits

Track Courses: 12 Credits Required

Advanced Elective Courses: 8 Credits Required