Progressive Master’s Degree in Language Sciences

Students pursuing the Master’s degree in Language Sciences are required to complete a minimum of 24 units of course work, 8 of which may be completed prior to the baccalaureate.

Course Requirements

At least 24 units of course work, selected from USC’s graduate-level offerings in Linguistics, must be completed with an average of B+ or better. Up to 8 of those 24 units may be satisfied by USC’s advanced core courses in Linguistics (Ling 401, 402, 403, 415); these courses may be taken during one’s undergraduate years.

A 4-unit “summative experience” in Linguistics is required for completion of the Progressive M.A. degree. Those four units are included in the required 16 course units at the 500 level or higher.

Admission Requirements

Only USC Linguistics Department majors (including our combined majors) may apply to this program. Applicants must have achieved a 3.5 average in their Linguistics courses, and a 3.0 average overall. Two of USC’s advanced core courses in Linguistics (Ling 401, 402, 403, 415) must be taken in order to qualify for this program. Letters of recommendation are not required.