JoaniePanic

So I have been doing some research on both programs..and I wanted to hear some of your opinions on the pros and cons of each program. This is what it looks like from my seat UIUC -- The 2010 NRC survey ranks it somewhat higher than Gtown, Urbana is definitely cheaper than DC, UIUC is much cheaper than Gtown and they seem to be less stingy with the funding. Gtown -- It has great rep (it's not my main concern..but I'm an international student and Gtown does have a big name outside the US..while Illinois is well known but only by some people around here..so that may affect my job prospects in a way) They are strong in Discourse Analysis and Pragmatics, their program is more eclectic (and interdisciplinarity is a big plus for me). Deborah Schiffrin is there. Also..how does UIUC stand in discourse analysis? Any answer (except for nasty remarks) will be much appreciated!

Good luck! Let us know how it all went.

I'm in the same situation. I've read all these things on how NOT to write a PS or a Statement of Purpose...but they are all addressed to PhD applicants..I'm going to apply for an MA in Linguistics and I am writing both essays (PS and SOP). The first tells how I kind of rejected the discipline of linguistics...being a language teacher who writes, I just thought that linguists' deal was with spoiling the "mystery of language" lol...Then I developed on how that prejudice changed as I carried out research as part of some courses and was introduced to different views of language...and how I ultimately became more involved in the field of linguistics with some mention of activities outside my academic education which had an impact on my future interests...But overall, it's still a very personal text, and I use it as a way to put through my ideas and views on language, and I finally mention what I would like to study, but I don't dwell that much on that since I have my SOP to write.. On a related note..is it better to state two/three interests in an SOP or just one and develop it deeply? (As a prospective MA student I can't really say I have THE definite future project..) I have been wirting both essays for like..2 weeks now, and I'm still not satisfied with what I've written x_x

I know many linguistics departments don't set a minimum score for the GRE, but I am considering an MA in Linguistics (with a concentration in Pragmatics/Sociolinguistics), and was wondering which section would count most (many linguistics programs give a lot of importance to quantitative score, but I think that was for the formal linguistics programs I've checked -they said nothing about sociolinguistics, though...). Anyone?

I've come across the website of University of Virginia's linguistics department..and I saw they offer a terminal MA and no PhD program. Does anyone know anything about this program? With so few terminal MA's it is indeed strange that they just offer an MA..Any insight?

I've come across the website of University of Virginia's linguistics department..and I saw they offer a terminal MA and no PhD program. Does anyone know anything about this program? With so few terminal MA's it is indeed strange that they just offer an MA..Any insight?