Computational Linguistics, MA

Program Overview

Computational Linguistics, MA

Degree Awarded:

Master of Arts in Computational Linguistics

Chairperson:

Francisco Ordóñez, Social and Behavioral Sciences S-233

Program Director:

Jordan Kodner, Social and Behavioral Sciences N-247

Department Administrator:

Brian Frank, S-201 Social and Behavioral Sciences

Graduate Coordinator:

Michelle Carbone, S-201 Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department Website:

The Stony Brook Linguistics Department, in the College of Arts and Sciences, is a leading center for research and training in all areas of modern linguistics. The Department offers graduate training that leads to the M.A. and Ph.D. in Linguistics, the M.A. in Computational Linguistics, and the M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

Research Areas:

The department has a long-standing focus on theoretical linguistics, with core research areas in syntax, semantics, morphology, phonology, phonetics, and language acquisition, and particular strength in Computational Linguistics. Departmental research includes both theoretical issues- how the human language capacity is organized - and computational ones - how language is processed and computed by humans and what the computational complexity of natural language is. In addition to the full range of theoretical and computational areas of linguistics, faculty have expertise in a wide range of languages/language areas including, East Asian, Germanic, Romance, Semitic, Slavic and signed languages.

Program Description:

The MA in Computational Linguistics focuses on core competencies in programming, algorithms and data structures, mathematical linguistics, linguistic theories of sound and grammar) and the computational analysis of natural language. Students will also have practical experience with existing software solutions and tool kits that are widely used in the Computational Linguistics industry.

Admission Requirements:

• Admissions Deadline: MA Computational Linguistics: May 1
• Baccalaureate Degree: Students must present evidence that such a BA or BS degree will be awarded by the time they begin graduate work. A final transcript is required prior to registration.
• Minimum grade point average of 3.0: A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (or its foreign equivalent) on a 4-point scale is required.
• Recommendations: Three letters of recommendation are required.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE): The GRE is not required for the MA LIN, the MA CompLing, the MA TESOL, and the PhD in Linguistics.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Writing Sample: MA CompLing: The writing sample may take one of two forms: (a) a short paper written for a previous course, ideally related to language, mathematics, or computation, or (b) a 2-page document describing a completed or ongoing programming project, including a link to an online repository hosting the code.
• Foreign Language Requirement: MA programs: Native speakers of English must provide evidence of at least one year (or six credits) of study of one language other than English at the college level with a grade of C or better. Students who are seeking New York State certification will need to satisfy additional requirements for foreign language study before receiving certification.
• English proficiency: MA Comp Ling: 250 (computer), 90 (iBT TOEFL) or 6.5 (IELTS)

Degree Requirements:

• Core courses: (12 credits, required)
  • LIN 521 - Syntax I
  • LIN 522 - Phonetics or LIN 523 - Phonology I
  • LIN 537 - Computational Linguistics I
  • LIN 637 - Computational Linguistics 2
• Formal methods: (1 of the following: 3 credits)
  • LIN 538 - Statistics for Linguists
  • LIN 539 - Mathematical Methods in Linguistics
• Advanced Linguistics: (1 of the following not taken as another requirement: 3 credits)
  • LIN 522 - Phonetics
  • LIN 523 - Phonology I
  • LIN 621 - Syntax II
  • LIN 623 - Phonology II
  • LIN 624 - Morphology and Word Formation
  • LIN 625 - Semantics
• Electives: Students must take four elective courses for 12 credits. Electives can not be taken as a Core or Advanced Linguistics course offered above. Electives can be taken in Linguistics or other departments, with approval of the Program Director.
• Final project: Students must also complete a final project as part of LIN 595. (6 credits)