Master's Thesis & Presentations
The Department of Linguistics offers two general paths of study. Plan A is a research track for students who come with prior coursework in linguistics and a research project in mind. Plan B is focused on providing students with a background in contemporary linguistics and linguistic subfields through coursework and a final Master’s Essay. Both Plan A and Plan B students must present their thesis/essay in their final semester which typically takes place on a Friday in April. These presentations should be developed in consultation with the student’s advisor. There is the option to instead take an exam (for Plan B students only), but it's uncommon and must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies well in advance.
Preparing the thesis/essay
Plan A students: The thesis must show independent work based upon material which may include data collected by the student for this thesis. It must present evidence that the candidate possesses the ability to plan a study (where relevant), to collect and/or organize and analyze data, and to present results in an orderly fashion before the faculty of the Department of Linguistics. The written thesis should be well organized and display the student’s thorough acquaintance with the literature of the field.
Plan B students: The essay must present evidence of the candidate’s ability to present a well-organized and well-written report on a topic of significance in the field. The writing of this essay is under the supervision of one faculty member, and must be approved by one additional member designated by the Department Chair. The written essay must be completed and presented to the faculty before the end of the fourth semester.
The timeline
First Thursday in October of the second year
1. Submit your Thesis/Essay Proposal (a one-page written plan that outlines your research topic and is composed of research questions, a work plan, and references to ensure you're on track for developing your thesis/essay and final oral presentation)
March of the second year
2. If you're a Plan A student, the department manager will complete an exam appointment form to officially schedule your defense and register your thesis with GEPA. This step is unnecessary for Plan B students.
April of the second year
3. You present your thesis/essay.
4. Your committee will complete an exam report form to record the result of your oral presentation.
Frequently asked questions
Plan A students must form a committee of three members (one of which must be external from the department) for their thesis defense. The defense and the thesis are registered in advanced.
Plan B students must form a committee of two members (their primary advisor and one other member of the department). The defense and essay do not need to be registered in advance.
Both Plan A and Plan B students must present their thesis/essay in their final semester. There is the option to instead take an exam (for Plan B students only), but it's uncommon and must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies well in advance.
Both Plan A and Plan B students must submit a formal proposal for their thesis/essay by the first Thursday in October of their second year. The only master's students who don't need to submit a proposal are Plan B students who are taking an exam instead of writing and presenting an essay.
Plan A students must submit a final copy of their thesis to GEPA (through the department manager). Typically, this happens when an exam appointment form is filled out (form must be completed at least 10 business days prior to defense), but a copy of the final thesis must be submitted to the department manager, GEPA, and the student's committee members at least five business days before the defense.
Only Plan A students need to submit their thesis to GEPA and their committee (five business days prior to defending). Plan B students don't need to submit their essay to GEPA.
An exam report form must be completed within one week of the essay presentation, documenting a pass or fail grade, so students should work with their advisor to determine a date to submit the final version of their essay.
Plan A students are not eligible to take an exam. Plan B students may opt to take an exam instead of writing and presenting an essay, but they must notify their advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies by the same deadline that thesis/essay proposals are due. Opting for the exam route is subject to approval by a student's advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies.
The official date of presentations will vary by year, but students can plan to present on a Friday in April. The location will vary by year depending on venue availability.