Linguistics Courses

The Department of Linguistics offers a Master of Arts in linguistics and the teaching of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). The program normally takes two years to complete and requires a thesis or research essay.

Admission to graduate study in linguistics requires no specific undergraduate preparation, but a background in English, foreign language, speech, psychology, mathematics, or philosophy is particularly relevant. Transcripts of all previous study must be submitted and must indicate strong promise of success in graduate study. Transcripts also must include evidence of two years of college-level study of foreign language. Admission is possible if you cannot meet this requirement, but it must then be satisfied by concurrent nondegree study. Nonnative speakers of English may use their study of English to satisfy this requirement. Teacher training and experience are desirable as preparation for native students intending to follow the TESOL curriculum. For nonnative applicants, both teacher training and an undergraduate major in English are recommended and a TOEFL score of 600 or higher on the paper form or 250 on the computerized form is required.

While there is no specific deadline for submission of application materials, new applicants are normally admitted only in the fall quarter. Applicants for financial aid for the following academic year must apply by February 15.

A certificate in teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is also available for graduate students from any field. The sequence includes courses in linguistic theory and TEFL methodology: LING 510, 550, 575, 580, and 582. It is offered every academic year and during the summer. Admission to the linguistics program is not required, but international students must have a TOEFL score of 575 or higher on the paper form or 230 on the computerized form.

Specific information about the programs and requirements is available from the chair, Department of Linguistics, Ohio University, Gordy 383, Athens OH 45701-2979.