Master of Arts in Linguistics

We offer both an M.A. and a Ph.D. program. In addition to the customary M.A. thesis, we also offer a plan of study that leads to an M.A. by exam. Some of our students also pursue an independent interdepartmental specialization in cognitive science. The M.A. Linguistics degree offers extensive training in the core areas of theoretical linguisticsphonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmaticsand optionally in sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and child language acquisition. Throughout our program, the focus is on the rigorous study of language as a science. We are not primarily focused on the question of how such results can be put to practical use in language teaching, language policy debates, and the like, though of course a thorough grounding in theoretical linguistics is necessary to engage such questions in a fully-informed way. If you are especially interested in these domains, we recommend that you also look at applied linguistics MA programs.

All Official Transcripts. Bachelor Degree is required for Admission. . TOEFL IBT - 100. IELTS - 7.5.
Admission to the M.A. program. Applicants should have completed at least an introductory course in linguistics. Students with an otherwise appropriate background may be admitted without this, but they must then enroll in LIN 401 Introduction to Linguistics in their first semester.Personal statement. This should include a summary of your academic and personal background, with a special emphasis on aspects of it that might be relevant to graduate work in linguistics. Of course, any previous study of the subject should be mentioned. You should also indicate your reasons for wanting to pursue a graduate degree in linguistics.
Academic statement. This is a statement of purpose that characterizes your intellectual goals. It should indicate your specific area(s) of interest in linguistics and what you hope to focus on in the program. It's entirely appropriate to speculate about potential topics of future research papers or even the topic of your thesis or dissertation. (If admitted, you will not be required to do precisely what you describe. Your plans may change.)
For applicants to the M.A. program, each of these statements should be 500700 words, for applicants to the Ph.D. program, 7001,000 words.
Recommendation letters. Ask three people who are well-acquainted with your qualifications for graduate study in linguistics to submit letters via the online application system. If necessary, they can sending letters by post or by email to the graduate secretary.
Transcripts. Arrange for each college or university you have attended to send two official transcripts to the department.
Graduate Record Exam. Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test and have scores sent to the MSU Office of Admissions. MSU instution code: 1465. Our department code: 2903. There is no fixed minimum score you must attain, but scores below the 50th percentile will significantly reduce the likelihood of your admission.
English-language test. If you are an international student and not a native speaker of English, take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and have your score sent to the department. Minimum TOEFL = 100, minimum IELTS = 7.5. The English-language testing requirement is waived if you have a bachelor's degree from a four-year US university or if you have a master's degree from one of the approximately 60 members of the Association of American Universities. It may be waived in certain other circumstances, including if you have received an M.A. from an English-speaking institution outside of the AAU. Nevertheless, even if you have previously done work in an English-language environment, it may increase your probability of admission if you can clearly demonstrate your English skills with a good test score because it would put to rest any doubts the admissions committee might otherwise have about your English ability.
Writing sample. If you are applying to the Ph.D. program, submit a sample of written work such as an M.A. thesis or research paper. This must be written in English. You may provide more than one paper if you wish. (Applicants to the M.A. program may submit a writing sample as well, but are not required to do so.)