The Department of Linguistics offers the graduate degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The Ph.D. program in linguistics involves coursework and independent research in a wide variety of areas of generative linguistics, including theoretical and experimental approaches. The aim of the program is to prepare students for all aspects of an internationally successful academic career. The Ph.D. program is strongly oriented towards academic careers, but may also provide an excellent background for non-academic, language-related careers. Although the Department of Linguistics only admits graduate students into the Ph.D. program, a Master of Arts degree can be awarded to students in the Ph.D. program when the requirements have been met (see M.A. requirements below).
Doctor of Philosophy Requirements
The Ph.D. program in Linguistics conforms to the Graduate School requirements as outlined in the Academic Regulations section of this catalog. Specific course requirements for the Ph.D. in Linguistics are determined by the student’s advisory committee consistent with the minimum requirements specified by the Graduate School. The program is designed to be completed in five years. Due to course sequencing, students are normally only admitted for the Fall semester. The Ph.D. in Linguistics does not have a related area or foreign language requirement. The specific requirements for obtaining a Ph.D. in Linguistics are listed below.
Required Courses
Students must complete a total of 40 credits in accordance with a plan of study approved by their advisory committee.
General Examination
Students satisfy the general examination requirement by completing two research papers of publishable quality, each building on a proposal that has been approved by the faculty of the Department of Linguistics. The student is examined on the content of each completed paper.
Dissertation Proposal
Students must submit a dissertation proposal in accordance with the rules specified in the Graduate Catalog.
Doctoral Dissertation
Students must complete a doctoral dissertation and defend it in the course of a public oral examination.
Master of Arts Requirements
An M.A. degree can be awarded after the completion of 30 credits of coursework on an approved plan of study in connection with the Thesis or Non-Thesis plan as outlined in the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.
