Program Requirements

The program has two streams: analytical and applied. Within each stream there are two options: thesis and non-thesis.

Program streams

The program has two streams, analytical and applied. Within each stream, students take at least 12 sem. hrs. (four courses) within their chosen stream. In the case of the analytical stream, the courses develop skills that are necessary for field workers who wish to focus mainly on linguistic analysis. In this stream, Problems in Morphology and Syntax is a required course (included in the 12 sem. hrs). In the case of the applied stream, the courses develop skills that are necessary for fieldworkers who plan to work mainly in the areas of literacy development and translation. In this stream, Language Programs Design and Management is a required course (included in the 12 sem. hrs).

Program Options

Students who pursue the thesis option must complete 33 sem. hrs. of linguistics coursework taken at the 500 or 600 level, write a thesis (6 sem. hrs.) and defend it successfully.

Students who pursue the non-thesis option must complete 39 sem. hrs. of linguistics coursework taken at the 500 or 600 level, write a Graduating Essay and successfully defend it orally, and receive a grade of P (Pass) on written Comprehensive Exams.

The MA Linguistics program has core course requirements of 15 sem. hrs. These five courses cover the main areas of linguistics that are necessary for students preparing for fieldwork in linguistics. Survey of Linguistic Theories gives students a broad overview of linguistic theory, Syntax and Semantics and Advanced Phonology prepare students for fieldwork in two of the most fundamental areas of linguistics, and Field Methods and Advanced Field Methods focus on teaching students how to gather linguistic data, manage that data electronically, analyze the data, and write descriptions of their data and analyses.

All students must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0, and any grade below B- will not count towards graduation. Students must meet all graduation requirements within a period of 6 years of beginning their coursework in the program.

Thesis

Students who wish to subsequently pursue doctoral studies in linguistics will be advised to take the thesis option. The thesis represents a serious work of understanding regarding a body of previously unanalyzed data or a development or extension of linguistic theory that significantly advances a new understanding of previously analysed data. If the former option is pursued, the student extends linguistic understanding by virtue of applying previously advanced theory to new data; the latter option involves changing (aspects of) a theory in order to cause a greater body of known data to be explained than previous work did. Students writing a thesis are expected to work closely with their thesis supervisor. Through this, they learn the value of advances made as the linguistics community works together, but they are also expected to demonstrate both initiative and ingenuity in regard to pursuing their own individual scholarly goals.

After completion of two semesters of (full-time) study or its equivalent in part-time study, each student will consult with the program advisor and work towards selecting a faculty member who will eventually serve as the chair of that student's thesis committee. The thesis committee will be comprised of the chair person and at least two other members of the program faculty. In exceptional circumstances, one of the committee members may be a qualified scholar from outside of the program faculty.

The committee chair person is responsible for overseeing the development of the research proposal; for advising throughout the research program, the analysis and the composition of the thesis; and for the scheduling and the agenda of the oral thesis defence. He/she is also responsible to oversee any revisions necessary until the final copies required by the Trinity Western University School of Graduate Studies are received.

The thesis committee is responsible for approving the thesis proposal and for conducting and approving the oral defense. The oral defense includes a brief presentation of the thesis by the candidate that includes a statement as to why the study is important. Members of the committee then question the candidate concerning different aspects of the thesis. This might include aspects of the thesis that they want more clarification on or find questionable or perhaps troubling. It can also include discussion of aspects of the thesis that they find interesting or for which they want to suggest further avenues worthy of future research. Following the question and discussion period, the candidate will leave the room and the committee will discuss the quality of the thesis and the candidate’s oral defense. The candidate will then be called back in and informed of the committee’s conclusions. The oral defense will be at least one hour in length but not more than two hours.

Continuing Registration Status (applies only to those in the thesis option): students are expected to maintain continuous enrolment throughout the program (a minimum of three semester hours of study per semester) or Continuing Registration Status, except in the following case.
Due to the nature of the thesis option, it may be advisable for students to conduct some fieldwork and linguistic research prior to entering the thesis phase of the degree. Therefore it is anticipated that some students may choose an extended absence of up to four years between the first and second years of the program, or prior to writing the thesis. Up to four years is permitted for research without official Continuing Registration Status. Longer than that requires special permission from the Program Director.
Except for such a research period, Continuing Registration Status would apply from the time of completion of all course work except for the thesis requirement. Continuing Registration Status may be used until the thesis is submitted, successfully defended, and all corrections satisfactorily completed, with final copies provided to the Registrar's office. The student should request the MA LING Program Director to write a memo for the student's file indicating when the four year period commences.