Steps for Fulfilling University Requirements
1. Conference with Linguistics Graduate Advisor
Click here for the contact information on the Graduate Advisor of Linguistics, Dr. Xiaoping Liang.
2. Pass CSULB Writing Proficiency Examination (WPE)
About WPE
The CSULB Writing Proficiency Examination (WPE) is required for a degree, certificate, or for advancement to candidacy for a Master's degree. Students must take the WPE during their fist semester of residence. Every candidate must pass the WPE (or meet the Writing Proficiency standard through GRE, GMAT, or coursework such as ENGL 301B) in order to advance to candidacy. It consists of a 75-minute written essay in response to an assigned topic. It is offered twice in the fall and the spring semesters and once in the summer. For more Information: visit the WPE page.
Ways to Prepare for the WPE
- Workshops: (562) 985-4007
- The WPE Workbook: (562) 985-5050
- International Students' Conversation Lab: (562) 985-5350
- The Writer's Resource Lab: (562) 985-4329
- WPE Advising: (562) 985-5350
- WPE-Related Courses: For WPE 10 and WPE 20, register through Enrollment Services (WPE advisor's consent may be needed). For the online English Writing Proficiency program, contact Dr. Rebekha Abbuhl at here.
3. Satisfy Deficiencies and Prerequisite Course Work
Students are selected on the basis of evidence that they possess the academic and personal skills necessary for success in a graduate program. They are expected to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their last 60 units of study. They must also submit three letters of recommendation and a statement of their background and goals. Special consideration is given to experience with different cultures, languages, and/or language teaching.
International students need to complete an additional application from the Center for International Education (CIE). The University requires a TOFEL score of 550 or higher (or 213 for computer-based, or 80 for Internet-based), the CSULB Examination in ESL to be taken upon arrival, and a statement of financial support. Students not meeting language requirements may take ESL courses through American Language Institute (ALI) at CSULB to prepare themselves for admission to regular courses. For more information on International Students Admission, please click here.
To satisfy prerequisites please click here for TESL Certificate students and here for M.A. students.
4. Advancement to Candidacy (approval of Student’s Program of Study)
When you have completed all prerequisites, passed the WPE, have an overall GPA of 3.0, plus completed 6-9 units of your graduate program, you should arrange to advance to candidacy (for MA students) or file the TESL Certificate Checklist (for Certificate students).
The advancement form or the TESL Certificate checklist must be filed at least one semester prior
to the one you plan to graduate
The Advancement to Candidacy form and the TESL Certificate Checklist are contracts with the
University regarding the courses you will complete to receive your degree or certificate.
5. Maintain Continuous Enrollment
Students must obtain an academic leave of absence for any semester in which they do not enroll
or will be required to reapply to the University. Click here for Educational Leave Instructions and Form, visit the Enrollment Services Forms and Publications Web site (under "Registration").
6. Complete the Program of Study
To complete the program of study, students are required to:
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Complete the program within seven years from date of initial course work for MA students. Courses taken before seven years of the date the student program was initiated need to be revalidated.
- Complete the program within five years from date of initial course work for TESL Certificate students. Courses taken before five years of the date the student program was initiated need to be revalidated.
7. Request to Graduate Form (“Grad Check”)
The Request to Graduate form is the final verification that you have completed all courses contracted in your Advancement to Candidacy or TESL Certificate Checklist. Students file the Request to Graduate form with Enrollment Services. The Request to Graduate Form should be filed at the beginning of the semester before the semester you intend to graduate.
8 Pass Comprehensive Examination or Complete a Thesis
Students taking the comps exams should register in LING 697 and work closely with a formally approved comps advisor. Thesis students should register in LING 698 and work closely with a thesis committee. You will be asked to demonstrate the following skills that are widely acknowledged to be requirements for an M.A.: mastery of the basic content of the field; integration and application of the basic material in the field; ability to master new material in the field; ability to integrate new material with basic content of the field; and ability to contribute your own analyses, applications, and research ideas.
9. Be Enrolled in Graduating Semester
If all course work has already been completed and Advancement has already been taken place, students may enroll in GS700 to satisfy this requirement and to have access to University facilities. Enrollment in GS700 must be approved by the Graduate Advisor, and is limited to twoconsecutive semesters.