Graduate Certificate in Linguistics
The Graduate Certificate in Linguistics requires 12 graduate credit hours in linguistics. This option is open to anyone eligible to take graduate courses, including non-degree seeking students. The main goal of the certificate is to provide a meaningful and internally coherent course of study of language and linguistics to match the background, interests, and needs of the individual student. In particular, this opportunity may be of interest to the following groups of people:
- Graduate students in the Department of English whose primary focus is not in linguistics (such as English, American, or Comparative Literature; Technical Communication; Composition and Rhetoric; Creative Writing; or Film) but whose research skills and career prospects would be enhanced by the background and training provided by pursuit of a linguistics certificate.
- Graduate students in the other departments whose primary work pertains to or has connections with language (this could occur in many fields but would probably be most common in Philosophy, Psychology, SASW, CMLL, History, Computer Science, Education, or Human Development) and whose studies and career prospects would be enhanced by the background and training provided by pursuit of a linguistics certificate.
- English teachers at any level who wish to enhance their skills in the language aspects of English
- ESL teachers at any level who want a deeper understanding of fundamental linguistic principles.
- Teachers in any subject area, particularly those who work with non-native speakers, who wish to understand the principles of language.
- Writers, editors, and others working in communication or information technology who would benefit from a scholarly understanding of the English language.
- Social workers and other professionals who interact with diverse groups of people and who need an understanding of language issues.
- Curious and general-interest members of the community who want to learn more about language.
Requirements include 12 hours of graduate credit in linguistics. For most students, the certificate program will include the following courses:
- English 5335 Principles of Language
- English 5337 Studies in Linguistics (may be repeated when the topic varies)
- English 5338 Syntax
- English 5339 Phonology
However, flexibility is a necessary component of this certificate program because of the diverse backgrounds, motivations, and goals of the different students. Typically, all 12 hours for the certificate will consist of courses in the English Department's core offerings in language and linguistics, including the following:
- English 5334 History of the English Language
- English 5335 Principles of Language
- English 5337 Phonology (must be approved by Director of Linguistics)
Taking into consideration the needs and interests of the individual student and in consultation with other members of linguistics faculty in the Department of English, the Director of Linguistics will specify the set of courses to be listed in a particular student's certificate program in linguistics.