MA in Linguistics - Documentary and Descriptive Linguistics in Austin United States | University of Texas at Austin

The Department of Linguistics provides graduate programs for both M.A. and Ph.D. candidates, with a strong focus on theoretical linguistics across all specializations. The curriculum ensures comprehensive training in five fundamental linguistic disciplines: phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, and field methods. Specialized advanced courses are available in key departmental focus areas including phonetics/phonology, syntax/semantics, descriptive/documentary linguistics, computational linguistics, and signed language linguistics, alongside topics aligned with faculty research expertise. Cross-disciplinary studies are encouraged through relevant courses in Anthropology, Speech and Hearing Sciences, Computer Science, Philosophy, Psychology, Statistics, and various language departments.
Although the department primarily admits students pursuing doctoral studies, exceptions may be made for applicants specifically seeking an M.A. degree. Note that M.A.-only candidates typically aren't eligible for funding. All doctoral applicants should select the Ph.D. program regardless of whether they hold a master's degree. Both M.A. and Ph.D. students complete identical core coursework. The master's program requires full-time enrollment, with classes scheduled weekdays between 8 am and 5 pm.Add body text in this space.
Students concentrating in documentary and descriptive linguistics develop expertise in gathering and examining data from lesser-studied languages and communities, producing essential documentation like grammars, dictionaries, and text collections. Doctoral candidates in this specialization often create reference grammars as their dissertation projects.