Nov 25, 2024

2014-2015 Graduate Catalog

2014-2015 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master of Arts in Linguistics

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Department of Linguistics
1024 Human Health Building (map)
(248) 370-2175 • Fax (248) 370-3144
www.oakland.edu/linguistics

► Apply Online

► Class Schedule Search

Coordinator:
Samuel Rosenthall
1022 Human Health Building
(248) 364-8805
srosenth@oakland.edu

Program description

The Master of Arts degree in linguistics provides post-baccalaureate instruction in current linguistic theory and in applied linguistics. The degree is intended to accommodate students who have done previous work in linguistics, as well as those who have had little exposure to the subject.

Admission terms and application deadlines

Before an applicant’s file can be reviewed for full program admission, all application documents must be received in Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning by the semester deadlines listed below. Incomplete applications will not be sent to departments for admission review.

July 15 for fall semester
November 15 for winter semester
March 15 for summer semester
International applicants

Application requirements

To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must submit all Graduate Application Requirements and additional department requirements by the published application deadlines:

Graduate Application Requirements
Additional department application requirements

	Although an undergraduate major in linguistics is not a requirement for admission, applicants must have a demonstrated knowledge of the basic principles of linguistics, as would be encountered in an introductory linguistics course.
	Applicants should have earned a baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
	Requirements for recommendations: The two Recommendation for Graduate Admission forms, listed above under University graduate application requirements, must be from academics familiar with the applicant’s abilities being able to complete the program efficiently.
	Applicants must explain in a statement of purpose their reasons for wishing to pursue graduate studies in linguistics.

Admission review and assessment

Admission to graduate study at Oakland University is selective. In making admission recommendations to Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning, each department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the program by examining their undergraduate records, goal statement, letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses and any other admission requirements established by the academic department.

Degree requirements

The Master of Arts in linguistics degree will be awarded to the student who earns 36 credits in nine courses as specified below. A minimum of 2.5 in each course and an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 are required for the M.A. degree.

All students must complete LIN 503 (Introduction to Phonology) and LIN 504 (Introduction to Syntax). Upon completion of LIN 503 and LIN 504 , students will be evaluated for admission to candidacy and will choose an area of specialization in consultation with the graduate adviser.

Upon admission to candidacy, the student will choose an area of specialization from among the following three: linguistic theory, teaching English as a Second Language or language arts. Non-native speakers of English who wish to specialize in teaching English as a Second Language must satisfactorily complete an oral and written examination in English. Other specializations may be developed in consultation with the graduate adviser. At least 16 credits (four courses) of work must be in the area of specialization.

All students must also complete LIN 680 (Seminar in Linguistics) or LIN 690 (The Master’s Thesis).

General requirements

Nine courses (36 credits)
No more than 8 credits in courses from other departments
No more than 8 credits in 400-level LIN or ALS courses
Either a) two years of foreign language study, or b) one year of foreign language study and LIN 609; in either case, demonstrated first year proficiency in at least one foreign language is required. First year proficiency can be demonstrated by satisfactory completion of a foreign language course at the 115-level.

Course requirements

a. Foundation requirement (4 credits)

The program director will review undergraduate transcripts and determine if the foundation course is needed. The course is not required of all students entering the program and is not included in the 36-credit program total.

LIN 501 - Linguistic Structures (4 credits)

b. Core requirements (8 credits)

LIN 503 - Introduction to Phonology (4 credits)
LIN 504 - Introduction to Syntax (4 credits)

c. Specializations (choose one)

Satisfactory academic progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the term used to denote a student’s successful completion of coursework toward a certificate or degree. Federal regulations require the Office of Financial Aid to monitor Satisfactory Academic Progress for all financial aid recipients each semester.

Students who fall behind in their coursework, or fail to achieve minimum standards for grade point average and completion of classes, may lose their eligibility for all types of federal, state and university aid. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for additional details.

Good academic standing

All graduate students are expected to remain in good academic standing throughout the entire course of their graduate program. To be in good academic standing, a graduate student must make satisfactory progress toward fulfilling degree requirements, including the completion of critical degree milestones as set forth by the academic program. The student must also maintain a minimum semester and overall GPA of 3.0.

Good academic standing is a requirement for:

Holding a Graduate Assistantship
Receiving a fellowship or scholarship
Advancing to candidacy for a graduate degree
Going on a leave of absence
Obtaining a graduate certificate or degree from Oakland University.

Additionally, graduate students must meet all department academic standards which may be more stringent than the minimum set forth by the University.

Graduate students who are not in good academic standing for any reason are subject to probation and/or dismissal from further graduate study.

Related program information

Plan of study

All accepted applicants, in consultation with their assigned faculty program adviser, must develop a plan of study that details specific courses the students will use to satisfy their degree requirements. The plan of study must be approved by the faculty program adviser and submitted by the student to Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning.

Master’s and graduate certificate students must submit a department-approved plan of study by the end of their first semester of graduate coursework. Doctoral students must submit an approved plan of study prior to completion of the first year of coursework. (See the Graduate Student Responsibility section of this catalog.)

Note: Credit granted for successful completion of a course toward an undergraduate degree program may not be repeated for a graduate degree. If a substitution is approved, the minimum number of program-approved graduate credits will be required. A Petition of Exception - OU Course Waiver/ Substitution requesting the substitution must be approved.

300-500-level courses

When graduate courses (500-level) are cross listed with undergraduate course (300-level), graduate students will be required to complete additional work at the graduate level, usually an essay or a project decided in conjunction with the professor.

Practicum eligibility

Eligibility for the Practicum (ALS 519 ) requires completion of ALS 518 with a grade of 3.0 or higher. Non-native speakers of English must in addition, satisfactorily complete an oral and written examination of English.