Texas Tech University

Linguistics

The Graduate Certificate in Linguistics requires 12 graduate credit hours in linguistics. This option is open to anyone eligible to take graduate courses, including non-degree seeking students. The main goal of the certificate is to provide a meaningful and internally coherent course of study of language and linguistics to match the background, interests, and needs of the individual student. In particular, this opportunity may be of interest to the following groups of people:

  • Graduate students in the Department of English whose primary focus is not in linguistics (such as English, American, or Comparative Literature; Technical Communication; Composition and Rhetoric; Creative Writing; or Film) but whose research skills and career prospects would be enhanced by the background and training provided by pursuit of a linguistics certificate.
  • Graduate students in the other departments whose primary work pertains to or has connections with language (this could occur in many fields but would probably be most common in Philosophy, Psychology, SASW, CMLL, History, Computer Science, Education, or Human Development) and whose studies and career prospects would be enhanced by the background and training provided by pursuit of a linguistics certificate.
  • English teachers at any level who wish to enhance their skills in the language aspects of English
  • ESL teachers at any level who want a deeper understanding of fundamental linguistic principles.
  • Teachers in any subject area, particularly those who work with non-native speakers, who wish to understand the principles of language.
  • Writers, editors, and others working in communication or information technology who would benefit from a scholarly understanding of the English language.
  • Social workers and other professionals who interact with diverse groups of people and who need an understanding of language issues.
  • Curious and general-interest members of the community who want to learn more about language.

Requirements

Requirements include 12 hours of graduate credit in linguistics. For most students, the certificate program will include four courses from the Department of English, such as: ENGL 5334 (History of the English Language), ENGL 5335 (Principles of Language), ENGL 5337 (Studies in Linguistics, which may be repeated as topics vary), and ENGL 5338 (Syntax).

However, flexibility is a necessary component of this certificate program because of the diverse backgrounds, motivations, and goals of the different students. Typically, all 12 hours for the certificate will consist of courses in the English Department's core offerings in language and linguistics, but one linguistics course may be accepted from a department other than English, such as Anthropology, Psychology, Computer Science, or Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures.

Taking into consideration the needs and interests of the individual student and in consultation with other members of linguistics faculty in the Department of English, the Director of Linguistics will specify the set of courses to be listed in a particular student's certificate program in linguistics.

How to apply

  1. Fill out a Texas Tech Graduate School admissions application (note that there is a non-refundable application fee)
    1. When asked to select Program Level, select "Certificate"
    2. When asked which program you are applying to, select "Linguistics Certificate"
  2. Email Dr. Aaron Braver, Director of Linguistics, providing your name, contact information, and the date on which you submitted your application.

Applications for the linguistics graduate certificate are evaluated on a rolling basis, however applications received close to the start of the desired semester may be deferred to the following semester.

Contact

Dr. Aaron Braver
Director of Linguistics
aaron.braver@ttu.edu