UNM Department of Linguistics

Plan I or Plan II?

As soon as you are admitted to the M.A. program, you should start thinking about whether writing a thesis (Plan I) or completing additional coursework (Plan II) would be most suited to your interests and long range career goals. There are benefits to both approaches. The intensive research and writing involved in preparing a thesis can be valuable preparation for further studies at the Ph.D. level or for immediate employment in a specific area related to linguistics. On the other hand, the M.A. program may be seen as the opportunity to pursue broad experience in linguistics. The coursework option ensures a strong foundation in linguistics with an appropriate depth and breadth of knowledge to pursue further studies or professional employment.

Plan I Requirements:

• A minimum of 24 hours of coursework:
• At least 12 of these hours must be 500-level courses.
• No more than 6 of these hours may be problems courses (independent study).
• At least 12 of these hours must be completed after admission to the M.A. program.
• Six hours of Thesis (599) credit and completion of a master's thesis.

Plan II Requirements:

1. A minimum of 32 hours of coursework:
2. At least 12 of these hours must be 500-level courses.
3. No more than 12 of these hours may be problems courses (independent study).
4. At least 16 of these hours must be completed after admission to the M.A. program.