MA in Linguistics
Our program aims to equip Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ with a strong foundation in core areas of linguistic analysis and to train Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to think critically about a broad range of issues in language use, development, variation, and change. Faculty interests include Indigenous languages of North America, language development, phonology, semantics, syntax, and typology. Students are trained in theoretical and descriptive linguistics and have opportunities to engage in independent research and fieldwork.
The Linguistics Program at the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ awards a Master of Arts degree with thesis and comprehensive exam options. The small size of the Program allows for a great deal of individualized attention. Our graduates have been admitted to prestigious Ph.D. programs and have also gone on to teaching and other careers.
WRGP Approved Program
The UM Linguistics Program is part of the of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). This Program permits legal residents of member states* to pay reduced, out-of-state tuition upon being admitted. (See Student Tuition and Fees for more information.) If you are eligible and interested in completing the admission process as a WRGP student, you are responsible for providing proof of residency in one of the participating WICHE states. Please contact the Linguistics Program Director for additional guidelines on submitting the proper documentation. Once tuition rates are set, they are non-reversible. Note that a maximum of four Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ per application cycle may receive this benefit.
*Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawai'i, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
MEET A GRADUATE STUDENT
Melanie's Linguistics MA Goals
Melanie was born on the Flathead Indian Reservation to a Séliš-Ql̓ispé mother and a Navajo father. Her father spoke Navajo as his first language, and Melanie remembers listening to her Grandmother speak Salish around the house. She began taking Salish language classes at around 12 years old, and now is one of only about a dozen fluent speakers of the Salish language.