Linguistics and Cognitive Science M.A.
Pursue a master's degree in linguistics and cognitive science
The M.A. in linguistics and cognitive science was established at the University of Delaware in 1994–95. It is a flexible program of study that provides training in both linguistics (applied or theoretical) and cognitive science. Students may also propose a customized program of advanced study that combines elements from each specialization, or focuses on another area of linguistics.
Individualized programs of study must consist of 30 credit hours planned in consultation with the student's advisor and the director of graduate studies or the cognitive science graduate advisor. These credits must include at least 21 credit hours in linguistics or cognitive science courses and at least one 800-level seminar in linguistics or cognitive science. Students must satisfy all the requirements for academic progress as specified in the academic progress policy guidelines and the department's policy statement for graduate programs.
M.A. specializations
The cognitive science specialization is appropriate both for students whose ultimate goal is to obtain a Ph.D. in a cognitive science discipline and for those who wish a terminal master's degree. For an M.A. in the cognitive science specialization, students must complete 30 credit hours planned in consultation with the student's advisor.
These credit hours must include at least CGSC 670 (Elements of Cognitive Science), one 800-level seminar in cognitive science, and six courses (18 credits) distributed over one or more of the following areas: human cognition, the structure of human language, computation and cognition, cognitive psychology and neuroscience. A complete list of courses can be obtained from the student’s advisor each semester.
The linguistics specialization is appropriate for students who wish to obtain a Ph.D. in linguistics and for those who wish a terminal master's degree.
To acquire an understanding of the basic concepts of linguistics, students must take at least three courses out of the following core courses in linguistics:
- LING 604 — Structure of Language
- LING 603 — Introduction to Phonology
- CGSC/LING — 618 Meaning and Language Use; or CGSC 690 — Meaning and Reference
- CGSC 696 — Psycholinguistics
In addition, students must take at least one advanced course in linguistics. The following courses count as advanced courses:
- LING 608 — Phonology II
- LING 610 — Syntax II
- Any 800-level courses offered in the Department of Linguistics
Appropriate substitutions may be made with the approval of the student's advisor and the director of graduate studies. The remaining 18 hours of courses are to be selected in consultation with the student's advisor.
The applied linguistics and ESL specialization is appropriate for students who wish to obtain a master's degree in applied linguistics. Note: ESL certification for teaching K–12 is not available in this program. Students who wish to obtain certification for teaching ESL should apply to the M.A. program in TESL in the School of Education at the University of Delaware.
Students are required to take the following 12 credit hours of core courses. Note that most courses are offered only once a year. Please consult with the M.A. advisor during the preregistration period:
- Ling 672 — Methods of Teaching English as a Second Language
- Ling 677 — Structure of English
- Ling 603 — Introduction to Phonology
- Ling 676 — Second Language Acquisition and Bilingualism
In addition to the 12 credit core, students must take at least one advanced course in linguistics.
Any 800-level courses offered in the Department of Linguistics and Cognitive Science count as an advanced course. Appropriate substitutions may be made with the approval of the student's advisor.
An additional 18 hours of courses in the specialization must be selected from available courses in applied linguistics, TESL, second language acquisition, psychology, and education. A list of suggested courses follows:
- LING 618 — Meaning and Language Use
- LING 644 — First Language Acquisition
- LING 675 — Language Acquisition
- LING 680 — Introduction to Sociolinguistics
- LING 622 — Language Syllabus Design
- LING 624 — Second Language Testing
- LING 621 — Methods of Teaching Foreign Languages
- LING 622 — Language Syllabus Design
- CGSC 696 — Psycholinguistics
- EDUC 613 — Adolescent Development and Educational Psychology
- EDUC 740 — Literacy Instruction for English Language Learners
- EDUC 741 — Diversity in ESL Classrooms
- EDUC 647 — Advanced ESL Teaching Methods, Design and Strategies
- EDUC 742 — Practicum in TESL
In addition to the offered specializations in linguistics and cognitive science, students may customize their own programs of study. Some examples follow:
- Descriptive linguistics
- Language and cognition
- Linguistic, psychological, philosophical, evolutionary, and computational bases of cognition
- Psycholinguistics
- Endangered and underdescribed languages (linguistic field methods, language typology, language documentation)
Graduate Education Goals
The department is committed to helping students develop their capacity to:
- Identify and investigate substantive research questions in various subfields of Linguistics;
- Critically evaluate previous research, including the use of linguistic data, analytic methods, and theories of language and mind in the work of other scientists;
- Employ appropriate research methods to present, analyze, and articulate research results in the area of concentration;
- Possess the ability to disseminate knowledge in the area of specialization, by writing articles for peer reviewed journals and presenting work at major conferences.
Research Expectations
Graduate students are expected to learn the intellectual system that underlies research in all fields of linguistics. The faculty encourage graduate students to conduct original, innovative research by:
- Taking required courses on the core areas of linguistics, such as syntax, morphology, phonology, phonetics and semantics.
- Engaging in original research through advanced seminars and participating in departmental groups that present student and faculty research.
- Combining core areas with specializations in experimental psycholinguistics, language acquisition, philosophy of mind, the description and documentation of endangered and underdescribed languages, and computational linguistics.
Advisement
Graduate students are assigned a temporary advisor, typically the graduate director, when they enter the program. They are free to change advisors at any time, but must inform department staff of the change.
Students are encouraged to choose an advisor and begin working in their specialization early in their academic career. They can select an advisor as early as the second semester of study and are required to do so by the beginning of the third semester.
The departmental committee on graduate studies will continue to monitor students' progress throughout their program of study. Each year, by January 1, students should submit a yearly progress report to the committee on graduate studies via their advisor. The committee on graduate studies will meet to discuss and evaluate the progress of every student in the program. The results of this procedure will be communicated to the students.
Funding
Assistantships and Fellowships
Assistantships and fellowships at the University of Delaware consist of full tuition plus a stipend. Renewal of funding packages each year depends on satisfactory progress toward the degree.
Stipends and Tuition Scholarships
The Graduate College at the University of Delaware is responsible for policies related to the implementation of stipends and tuition scholarships.
For more information about assistantships, fellowships, stipends and tuition scholarships, visit the Graduate College's page on funding opportunities.
Travel Support
Submit the department's travel fund request form for travel support from the Department of Linguistics and Cognitive Science.
Graduate students may apply for travel awards from the Graduate College, which are funded by the Office of the Provost. You MUST list Alaina Norvell (anorvell@udel.edu) as the department contact on the application form to avoid delays in reimbursement.
Visit the Graduate College's Emergency Support page for resources available to students experiencing financial hardships or mental health issues.
