Degrees and Certificates

Graduate Programs

PhD in Linguistics

The PhD in linguistics trains students in the science of language. Students become specialists in the core areas of linguistics-- phonology, syntax, and semantics --and learn to integrate this core with the study of second language acquisition. This 72-credit degree program prepares students for positions in academia, industry, and government working in a host of organizations that are concerned with language and second language acquisition. 

Linguistics Concentration in the MA in English

The master's degree program in English with a concentration in linguistics is theoretically oriented and provides a solid foundation in the major subfields of linguistics: phonology, syntax, and semantics. It requires 30 credits and can be earned on a part-time basis in two years.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate

The graduate certificate in teaching English as a second language (TESOL) is an 18-credit program that focuses on the applied aspects of English linguistics. This program offers courses in phonetics, grammar, second language acquisition, teaching ESL, and a practicum.

Accelerated MA in English with a Concentration in Linguistics

An accelerated master's degree program is available to highly qualified undergraduates in any major at George Mason. Students accepted to this program complete some graduate coursework as part of their undergraduate degree program. They can earn both a bachelor’s degree in their chosen major and a master’s degree in English with a concentration in linguistics by completing 144 credits, often within five years.

Undergraduate Programs

Linguistics Concentration in the BA in English

The BA in English with a concentration in linguistics gives students a thorough grounding in contemporary linguistic description and theory. As part of their English degree, students who choose this concentration take an introductory course in linguistics and three additional courses chosen from a wide range of electives. 

Minor in Linguistics

The minor in linguistics is a 15-credit program that can be combined with a major in any field of study. Students take two linguistics courses, which introduce them to the fundamental concepts of modern linguistic theory. They choose three electives from a wide range of options, which allow them explore how these concepts relate to various other disciplines.

Minor in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)

The undergraduate minor in teaching English as a second language (TESL) introduces students to the issues involved in the learning and teaching of English to speakers of other languages. The minor in TESL is an 18-credit hour program that combines linguistic theory, second language acquisition theory, and ESL teaching methods. This minor is a good preparation for students who are interested in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in a foreign country or at an adult ESL center in the United States.