The exam is given by the student's thesis committee and is usually done by the end of the third, regular semester. All students who wish to get an M.A. in Linguistics must take the M.A. Comprehensive Exam. The main objective of the M.A. Comprehensive Exam is to ensure that the student is adequately prepared to write a thesis to complete the M.A. degree requirements. The specific requirements of the formal thesis proposal are determined by the thesis advisor, so students must consult with their advisor as often as necessary to understand what is expected. Students must submit a prepared reading list to their advisor for final approval.
Student submits a draft of the thesis proposal to the director for comments and approval.
Student must give the approved proposal and reading list to the reader and advisor at least one week in advance of the scheduled exam. Upon successful completion of the M.A. Exam, student may register for thesis credits, i.e., Ling. 799, for the fourth, final semester. The student's thesis committee is the same as the exam committee. The committee should be formed by the beginning of the student's third semester. The general linguistic questions related to the thesis topic assume knowledge and understanding of the references given on the student's prepared reading list.