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. see the Graduate Bulletin for details