Program Overview
Syracuse University's Master of Arts in Linguistics offers advanced study in linguistics and language-related fields. Students choose a concentration area and complete core courses in phonology, syntax, and sociolinguistics. The program emphasizes research skills and prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, and various industries.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Arts in Linguistics at Syracuse University provides advanced education in linguistics and language-related study. The program emphasizes the scientific study of language, including its acquisition, culture, society, theory, logic, natural language processing, and teaching. The program consists of a minimum of 30 hours of coursework in a concentration area chosen by the student in consultation with their advisor, with the option to substitute a thesis for 6 hours of coursework.
Objectives:
- Develop advanced knowledge of linguistics and language-related study
- Enhance critical thinking and analytical skills in the field of linguistics
- Foster research skills and prepare students for further academic or professional pursuits in linguistics
Outline:
Core Courses:
- Phonology
- Syntax
- Sociolinguistics
Concentration Areas:
- Language Acquisition: Explores social, cognitive, and physiological aspects of second language learning.
- Language, Culture, and Society: Examines the relationships between languages, cultures, and their communities.
- Linguistic Theory: Analyzes the structure of one or more languages through the lens of formal linguistics theories.
- Logic and Language: Investigates the relationship between logic and natural languages, including formal logic as a programming language.
- Natural Language Processing: Applies computational and linguistic tools to understand human and computer-generated languages.
- Teaching Languages (English Language Teaching/Foreign Language Teaching): Focuses on the application of linguistic and technological tools for language instruction.
Assessment:
Students are evaluated through four written comprehensive examinations covering Phonology, Syntax, Sociolinguistics, and their chosen concentration area. Thesis students must also complete an oral thesis defense.
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty with expertise in various areas of linguistics. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through research and independent study, with opportunities for students to present their research findings at conferences and publish in academic journals.
Careers:
Graduates of the MA in Linguistics program are prepared for a wide range of careers in academia, research, government, and the private sector, including:
- Linguistics professors and researchers
- Language teachers
- Natural language processing engineers
- Speech therapists
- Lexicographers
- Translators
