Change of Degree Objective

The Linguistics Program has established policies for consideration of student requests to switch their degree objectives from Ph.D. to M.A. or vice versa. Any such change will require the completion of the change of degree objective form and approval by the Graduate Coordinator and, in some cases, the Linguistics Advisory Committee.

M.A. to Ph.D.

M.A. students who wish to complete the M.A .degree and subsequently earn a Ph.D. in Linguistics at UGA must submit an application through the Graduate School for the Ph.D. program, like any other applicant for graduate study at UGA.

M.A. students who wish to skip completion of the M.A. degree and proceed directly to the Ph.D. track at UGA may submit an application for a change of degree objective during the fall semester of their second year. These applications will be considered together with all other applications for matriculation the following fall, and should be completed by the general January 1 deadline for new applicants. All of the materials required of first-time applicants will be required of the students applying to change their degree objective (see the admissions page for details). Materials from their initial applications may be reused, but applicants should submit a new writing sample and statement of purpose. In addition, the application must be accompanied by three letters of recommendation from current members of the UGA Linguistics faculty attesting to the applicant's preparedness to enroll in the Ph.D. program.

In case an application for change of degree objective is not approved, students should continue to work toward completion of M.A. degree requirements. Students will be notified of the decision at the same time that incoming students are admitted to the program, usually by late January or early February. 

Successful applicants should be aware that they are now responsible for the PhD requirements for students who do not have an MA in linguistics (assuming they were not attempting to earn a second MA in linguistics).

Ph.D. to M.A.

Ph.D. students who decide that they would be better served by completing an M.A. degree are free to switch from the Ph.D. to either M.A. program (thesis or non-thesis) simply by completing the change of degree objective form and receiving approval from the Graduate Coordinator. However, students should be aware that if they subsequently change their mind and wish to re-apply for the Ph.D. program, this re-admission is not automatic. They will be required to follow the normal procedures for switching from the M.A. to Ph.D. track described above.

M.A. to M.A.

M.A. students may at any time decide to switch between the thesis and non-thesis options; however, they should be aware of the different requirements between these two tracks and the additional coursework required for the non-thesis M.A. Students should allow themselves an appropriate amount of time after switching to fulfill all of the new requirements.

Updated: 7/27/2017