2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Linguistics, PhD


Banner Code: LA-PHD-LING

Web: linguistics.gmu.edu

The PhD in linguistics trains students in the science of language.  Students become specialists in the core areas of linguistics– phonology, syntax, and semantics –and learn to integrate this core with the study of second language acquisition. This 72-credit degree program prepares students for positions in academia, industry, and government working in a host of organizations that are concerned with language and second language acquisition. They might be research and teaching professors, administrators of language-learning programs, or consultants in computational linguistic research.

This program of study is offered by the Department of English .

For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog.

Application Requirements


Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admission  chapter of this catalog. For information specific to the PhD in linguistics, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental web site.

Degree Requirements


To receive the PhD, students complete a minimum of 72 credits of course work including a dissertation.  Students must submit two qualifying papers in linguistics.  Students who enter the program with a master’s degree in linguistics may have their credit requirement reduced by up to 30 credits at the discretion of the department and with approval of the dean.

Eleven core courses (33 credits) in linguistics


Three courses (9 credits) in phonology


Three courses (9 credits) in syntax


Two courses (6 credits) in semantics/pragmatics


Two courses in (6 credits) in language acquisition chosen from:


One course (3 credits) in research methodology


Two seminars (6 credits)


Students take two seminar courses in two chosen fields. Seminar topics change every time they are offered. They may be repeated for credit.

Two qualifying papers (6 credits)


Students register for this course twice.

Doctoral Dissertation (minimum 12 credits):


Once enrolled in 999, students must follow the university’s continuous registration policy as specified in the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog. Students who defend in the summer must be registered for at least 1 credit of 999.

Students apply to this degree a minimum of 12 dissertation credits (998 and 999 combined) with at least 3 credits of 999. Because of the continuous registration policy, students may be required to register for additional credits of these courses.

Total: 72 credits