The M.A. degree is intended to provide students with a solid background in core areas of linguistic research, exposure to the various subfields constituting the discipline as a whole, and greater depth in two areas of interest. It will prepare students to continue in Ph.D. programs in Linguistics (at UGA or elsewhere) or for employment in fields where a master’s degree in Linguistics is one of the desired qualifications. Students may choose either a thesis or non-thesis option for the M.A. Students must fulfill all the requirements of the Graduate School for the M.A. degree, including the residence requirement and time limits.