Graduate Degree Programs

MA in Linguistics

MA in TESOL (option)

Certificate in TESOL

The Department of Linguistics at the California State University Fresno offers an M.A. in Linguistics and an M.A. in Linguistics with an option in Teaching English as a Second Language. The Department also offers a Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (see below). At California State University, Fresno, students may also get a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Computational Linguistics or Cognitive Science. Department faculty will assist students in planning such a program. For specific requirements, see Degree Requirements below; for general requirements see Division of Graduate Studies.

The Master of Arts degree program in Linguistics assumes a baccalaureate degree major in an appropriate field and at least three upper-division courses in linguistics as prerequisites. Graduate students are required to complete at least 33 units of courses with a minimum of 21 units of graduate level courses, and to pass a comprehensive examination or complete a thesis.

The requirements for admission to the program are the following:

Bachelors degree

GPA: 2.9 or above

TOEFL: 550 (paper), 213 (computer), 80 (internet based) [if applicable] OR

IELTS: 6.5 band score

GRE is not required

2 Letters of recommendation

Statement of intent (about 300-400 words)

(have your recommendation letters and your statement of intent sent directly to the Linguistics graduate adviser)

Contact graduate adviser for admission requirements and prerequisites.

Graduate Level Writing Competence

California State University, Fresno requires that students have graduate level writing abilities before being advanced to candidacy for the M.A. Students demonstrate these abilities by completion of any 200-level linguistics course other than LING 244, all of which include a research paper of 10-15 pages written according to the style sheets of the journal's language (for courses in general linguistics) or Teaching English as a Second Language (for courses in TESL). Should the student pass all components other than writing, the student would receive credit for the course but would have to revise and resubmit the paper to the department. (See also Admission to Graduate Standing, Advancement to Candidacy, and Program Requirements.)

Master of Arts Degree Requirements

Students who do not already have a sufficient background in linguistics need to take upper-division linguistics courses to attain classified standing in the department. These include LING 100, 139, 142, 143, 148, 165, (all students) and 141 and 171 (TESL students).

The graduate program consists of at least 33 units, 21 of which must be 200-level courses. Note the following requirements:

Linguistics

Core: LING 239, 242, 243, 248, 265 (15 units)
Required: LING 249 (3 units)
Electives (9 units) Three additional courses, at least one of which must be 200 level
Thesis LING 299A-B (6 units)

TESL Option

Core: LING 239, 242, 243, 248, 265 (15 units)
Required: LING 236, 237, 241, 244 (12 units)

In addition, TESL option students select one of the following culminating experiences:
A. Thesis: LING 299A-B (6 units)
B. Electives and Comprehensive Exam
Two additional courses (6 units)
Comprehensive Exam

Highly recommended electives for all students are graduate topics courses (numbered 231T). Highly recommended electives for TESL students are LING 144 and 148.

Upon examination of the student's record other courses will be specified to produce a coherent program.

Graduate Certificate in TESOL

Certificate of Advanced Study in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. This certificate is designed to train participants in the theory and practice of TESOL, with application to a wide variety of teaching circumstances. In addition to prerequisite courses that may be needed, the 12-unit course of study will include LING 237, 241, 244, and 236 (or an approved graduate elective). Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better in the program. The certificate is designed for Valley classroom teachers who need academic certification for professional advancement or for international students with limited time for TESOL training.

Requirements (12 units)

LING 236 (or approved graduate elective), 237, 241, 244

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