Department of Linguistics

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Graduate Degree Programs

Catalog: Linguistics and TESOL, M.A.

The Department of Linguistics at California State University, Fresno offers an M.A. in Linguistics and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). The Department also offers a Graduate Certificate in TESOL/SLAT (see below). For specific requirements, see Degree Requirements below; for general requirements, see Division of Graduate Studies.

The Master of Arts degree program in Linguistics assumes a baccalaureate degree major in an appropriate field and at least three upper-division courses in linguistics as prerequisites. 

Graduate students are required to complete at least 31 units of courses with a minimum of 22 units of graduate-level courses, and to pass a comprehensive examination or complete a thesis or a project.

Requirements for Admission

  • Bachelor's degree
  • GPA: 2.9 or above
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Statement of intent (about 300-400 words)

GRE is not required

All the official documents should be sent to the university admissions office as instructed in the online application.

English Proficiency Requirement for International Students:

TOEFL – 80 iBT, or

IELTS – 6.5, or 

Pearson’s Test of English - 53, or

iTEP – 4.5, or

Fresno State’s AEI program – 550 Institutional TOEFL

Contact the graduate coordinator, Dr. John Boyle, for admission requirements and prerequisites.

For additional information, visit Graduate Admission at the International Student Services and Programs.

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Master of Arts Degree Requirements (Roadmaps)

  • Prerequisites: Students who do not already have a sufficient background in linguistics need to take upper-division linguistics courses to obtain classified standing in the department. These include courses to be selected from LING 139, LING 141, LING 142, LING 143, LING 148, LING 165.
  • Graduate coursework: The graduate program consists of at least 31 units, 22 of which must be 200-level courses.  

  • LING 235 - Teaching the Four Language Skills Units: 3
    LING 239 - Phonetics Units: 3
    LING 240 - Proseminar in Linguistics Units: 1
    LING 243 - Seminar in Syntax Units: 3
    LING 244 - Curriculum Design and Classroom Evaluation Units: 3
    LING 248 - Seminar in Sociolinguistics Units: 3
    LING 265 - Seminar in Language Acquisition Units: 3

  • LING 249 - Field Methods Units: 3
    LING 271 - Graduate Practicum in TESOL Units: 3

Select one of the following:

  • LING 241S - Seminar in TESOL/SLAT Units: 3
  • LING 242 - Seminar in Phonology Units: 3
  • LING 250 - Graduate Seminar in Teacher Performance and Classroom Management Units: 3
  • Culminating Experience: Select one of the following : 

Thesis: LING 299A (3 units)

LING 298A (3 units) 

Comprehensive Exam + 3-unit elective  

  • Graduate Level Writing Competence

Before advancement to candidacy, students must also satisfy the Graduate Writing Skills Requirement. This requirement is met by submission and approval of a sample of scholarly writing to the graduate advisor after admission to the Linguistics and TESOL program, such as a term paper or thesis/project proposal. See Graduate Program Coordinator for more information.