The Department of Linguistics offers an M.A. in Linguistics with an option in General Linguistics and an M.A. in Linguistics with an option in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. 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 Research and 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 30 units of courses with a minimum of 21 units of graduate level courses, and to pass a comprehensive examination or complete a thesis.
Graduate Level Writing Competence. Students who are conditionally classified may be required to take the Undergraduate Writing Exam as a condition for classification. 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 passing the Qualifying Examination.
Qualifying Examination. The Department of Linguistics requires that students pass a qualifying examination on general linguistics before being advanced to candidacy for the M.A. The examination consists of essay questions on linguistic topics and is given once each semester. A student who does not pass on the first attempt may petition to receive a second opportunity, but this will only be granted in extraordinary circumstances.
(See also Admission to Graduate Standing, Advancement to Candidacy, and Program Requirements.)