The M.A. Program in Linguistics and Cognitive Science and thePh.D. Program in Linguistics
The Department of Linguistics and Cognitive Science offers programs leading to the M.A. degree in Linguistics and Cognitive Science and the Ph.D. in Linguistics. The M.A. in Linguistics and Cognitive Science, established in 1994-1995, allows students to design a program of study in linguistics and cognitive science, for example, theoretical linguistics, applied linguistics (including teaching English as a second language), descriptive linguistics, language and cognition, the linguistic, psychological, philosophical, evolutionary, and computational bases of cognition, psycholinguistics, and the study of endangered and underdescribed languages (linguistic field methods, language typology, language documentation). The Ph.D. in Linguistics, established in1985, is designed to furnish students with a solid background in theoretical linguistics as well as to direct them to advanced study in a particular area of specialization. Areas for Ph.D.specialization include theoretical linguistics (syntax, semantics, phonology, morphology), psycholinguistics (cognitive science, first and second language acquisition, language processing, neurolinguistics), computational linguistics, and the study of endangered and underdescribed languages (linguistic field methods, language typology, language documentation).
The Program in Cognitive Science
The academic program in Cognitive Science, established in 1995, is administered by the Department of Linguistics and Cognitive Science. See below for information regarding the M.A. in Linguistics and Cognitive Science. While there is no Doctoral degree in Cognitive Science, the Ph.D. in Linguistics allows a secondary specialization in certain aspects of Cognitive Science and students can obtain a Certificate in Cognitive Science.
Admission Requirements
Follow
this link for the admission requirements.
Degree Requirements
The M.A. in Linguistics and Cognitive Science
The M.A. in Linguistics and Cognitive Science is a flexible program of study that provides training in both Linguistics and Cognitive Science. Separate areas of specialization are provided below for students whose emphasis is clearly in Cognitive Science or in Linguistics ​​(in either Applied or Theoretical Linguistics). In addition, students may propose a program of study that combines elements of the Linguistics and Cognitive Science areas of specialization. Such 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.
Cognitive Science Specialization Area
The Cognitive Science Specialization Area 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 Area, 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 found on the Department of Linguistics and Cognitive Science
website and can be obtained from the student’s advisor each semester.
Linguistics Specialization Area (Theoretical Linguistics and Psycholinguistics)
The Linguistics Specialization Area is appropriate both 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:
1. LING 604 Structure of Language
2. LING 603 Introduction to Phonology
3. CGSC/LING 618 Meaning and Language Use; or CGSC 690 Meaning and Reference
4. CGSC 696 Psycholinguistics
In addition, students must take at least one advanced course in Linguistics. The following courses count as advanced courses:
1. LING 608 Phonology II
2. LING 610 Syntax II
3. Any 800-level courses offered in the Dept. 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.
Applied Linguistics & ESL Area of Specialization
The Applied Linguistics and ESL
Area of Specialization is appropriate for students who wish to obtain a master's degree in applied linguistics. Note: ESL certification for 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.
Students in this Area of Specialization are required to take the following 12 credit hours of core courses:
1. Ling 672 Methods of Teaching English as a Second Language
2. Ling 677 Structure of English
3. Ling 603 Introduction to Phonology
4. 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 area are to be selected from available courses in applied linguistics, TESL, second language acquisition, psychology, and education. A list of suggested courses is found below.
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
Please note that most courses are offered only once a year. Please consult the MA advisor during the preregistration period.​​
​For more information about the MA in Linguistics and Cognitive Science, please contact:
Dr. Satoshi Tomioka​
MA Student Adviser
Department of Linguistics & Cognitive Science
​125 E. Main Street
Newark, DE 19716
Tel: (302) 831-2296
E-mail: stomioka@udel.edu​