En Passant Master's Degrees
At the time a PhD student advances to candidacy, they may—provided they meet all the degree requirements—be awarded an en passant master's degree in linguistics (a master's degree awarded en route to a PhD).
To be awarded an en passant master's degree in linguistics, the student must meet the requirements of the MA degree and successfully defend their QP2 to advance to PhD candidacy.
When scheduling the QP2 defense, students should notify the department manager and DGS of their intent to request an en passant master's degree.
Terminal Master's Degrees
In the event that a student separates from the PhD program, they may—provided they meet all the degree requirements—be awarded a terminal master's degree in linguistics.
To be awarded a terminal master's degree in linguistics, the student must meet the requirements of the MA degree and successfully pass a qualifying examination.
Students who separate from the program after passing either QP will have satisfied the qualifying examination requirement. Students who separate from the program before successfully completing a QP will have to pass a master's examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about en passant and terminal master's degrees for PhD students in linguistics.
What's the difference between an en passant degree and a terminal degree?
An en passant master's degree is a master's degree you earn on the way to your PhD. A terminal master's degree is a master's degree you may be eligible to receive if you leave the PhD program before completion and if you meet the requirements for the degree.
Can I be awarded a master's degree in Computational Linguistics or Language Documentation and Description?
Unfortunately, en passant and terminal master's degrees can only be awarded in the same degree program as the PhD. (i.e. you can only receive a linguistics master's degree on the way to or instead of a linguistics PhD).
Do I have to wait until QP2 to receive a master's degree?
Graduate degrees in the School of Arts and Sciences can only be awarded at the time of a qualifying exam. QP1 is a departmental milestone, whereas QP2 serves as the qualifying exam that advances the student to candidacy.
An en passant master's degree may be awarded at the time of the qualifying exam (QP2), if the requirements are satisfied.
For the purposes of receiving a terminal master's degree the first QP may be used to satisfy the qualifying examination requirement.
Can I use transfer credits towards an en passant or terminal master's degree?
No, all credits used towards an en passant or terminal master's degree must be earned from taking UR courses, and cannot include transfer credits.
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