Graduate Certificate in Linguistics

Overview

We offer two graduate certificate programs in Linguistics: a GRS Graduate Certificate in Linguistics (through the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, GRS) for current BU graduate students looking to complement their graduate study in another field, and a MET Graduate Certificate in Linguistics (through Metropolitan College, MET) for others looking to get some background in Linguistics (e.g., students contemplating further graduate study of linguistics at BU or elsewhere, professionals in related fields working in the Boston area).

Students entering either certificate program are expected to have an introductory background equivalent to one introductory course in Linguistics. Students who do not have this background can register for, or audit, CAS LX 250 or acquire equivalent knowledge. Students who lack this background should consult the Director of Graduate Studies. Details of each certificate program are provided below.

GRS Graduate Certificate in Linguistics

The GRS Graduate Certificate in Linguistics offers the opportunity for students to gain knowledge about Linguistics to complement their primary area of study, and to explore possible interconnections between Linguistics and their primary field. This will enhance their graduate education, as well as provide a credential that may be useful for their future professional pursuits. Students interested in earning the certificate must be in good standing in their doctoral program at BU.

The certificate is awarded under the auspices of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS). Normal GRS tuition rates apply. However, there is no additional cost to fully-funded PhD students for taking these courses.

Learning Goals

Students who complete the GRS Certificate in Linguistics will be able to demonstrate: 

  • an understanding of the fundamental questions that drive modern linguistic theory, along with foundational knowledge in the core areas of linguistics
  • the ability to identify and describe with precision the empirical patterns found in sets of language data, and to construct well-reasoned linguistic analyses by formulating, testing, and refining hypotheses about these patterns
  • an understanding of some of the interdisciplinary connections between linguistics and the student’s field of graduate specialization
Course Requirements
  • GRS LX 601 Phonetics & Phonology: Introduction to Sound Systems
  • GRS LX 621 Syntax: Introduction to Sentential Structure
  • GRS LX 631 Semantics & Pragmatics: Introduction to Linguistic Meaning
  • GRS LX elective (selected in consultation with an advisor) or a related course offered by another department (with the permission of the Director of Graduate Studies)

Students who have already taken courses equivalent to any of the required core courses can substitute other appropriate GRS LX electives, with the approval of their advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies.

MET Graduate Certificate in Linguistics

The MET Graduate Certificate in Linguistics is designed for students with a BA degree who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in linguistics, but who do not have the necessary background in linguistics. This is likely to be the case for students who developed an interest in linguistics late in their undergraduate studies or after they received the BA degree. This certificate prepares students to submit applications to MA or PhD programs at BU or elsewhere.

Note that completion of the certificate is not a guarantee of admission to BU graduate programs. However, should a student enter the BU Linguistics MA program upon completion of this certificate, the elective course required for the certificate will count retroactively towards the MA degree requirements.

This program may also be of interest to professionals in the Boston area in fields with some connection to Linguistics who would like to get additional training and credentials. The four required courses can be completed by taking one or two courses per semester; typically, students will take two courses in the fall semester and two in the spring.

Learning Goals

Students who complete the MET Certificate in Linguistics will be able to demonstrate: 

  • an understanding of the fundamental questions that drive modern linguistic theory, along with foundational knowledge in the core areas of linguistics
  • the ability to identify and describe with precision the empirical patterns found in sets of language data, and to construct well-reasoned linguistic analyses by formulating, testing, and refining hypotheses about these patterns
  • foundational knowledge in the core areas of phonetics, syntax, and semantics, to enable students to apply to graduate programs in Linguistics and to take more advanced courses in the field
Course Requirements
  • MET LX 501 Phonetics & Phonology: Introduction to Sound Systems (fall)
  • MET LX 521 Syntax: Introduction to Sentential Structure (fall)
  • MET LX 531 Semantics & Pragmatics: Introduction to Linguistic Meaning (spring)
  • LX elective (to be selected from available offerings in consultation with an advisor; e.g., MET LX 511, 517, 542, 549, 565, 591, 594)
Contact

Director of Graduate Studies

linggrad@bu.edu