Master of Arts in Linguistics

The Department of Linguistics offers an M.A. in Linguistics with an option in General Linguistics and an option in Teaching English as a Second Language. 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.
Language is a defining characteristic of the human species, without language, there would be no civilization, no culture, no scientific or technological development, none of the achievements and capabilities distinctive to the human species.

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.

Specifically, a student shall (1) hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association, or have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by appropriate campus authorities; (2) be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended; (3) have satisfied any one of the following: [a] attained a GPA of at least 2.5 in an acceptable earned baccalaureate degree, or [b] attained a GPA of at least 2.5 in the last 60 semester units (90 quarter units) attempted, or [c] hold an acceptable post-baccalaureate degree earned at an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association.

English Proficiency Requirement for International Students:

TOEFL – 80 iBT, or

IELTS – 6.5, or

Pearson’s Test of English - 53, or

iTEP – 4.5, or

Fresno State’s AEI program – 550 Institutional TOEFL

. Application Deadlines: Fall - Jun 1 and Spring - November 1.