MA in Computational Linguistics

The MA in Computational Linguistics offers an exceptional opportunity for students with degrees in Computer Science or Linguistics to develop a mastery of the theoretical foundations and emperical tools need to apply Computational Linguistics to solve critical real-world problems.

Immerse yourself in the scientific study of language from a computational perspective. Computational linguistics draws on the expertise of faculty members and innovative interdisciplinary research from computer science (artificial intelligence, theory of computation, and programming methods), language and linguistics (phonology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics), philosophy, cognitive science, and psychology. For more information, please visit http://www.brandeis.edu/gsas.

The five-year BA/MA degree program in computational linguistics is designed for outstanding undergraduate students who will have completed all requirements for the undergraduate BA degree within four years at Brandeis, with a major preferably in either language and linguistics or computer science. Eligibility for the program is normally limited to students who have maintained a minimum 3.500 GPA in all linguistics and computer science courses taken. Students complete the MA in computational linguistics by taking computational linguistics courses in the senior (fourth) year and in one additional (fifth) year of study. The MA degree provides a solid foundation for professional work in the field of computational linguistics or for additional graduate study in computational linguistics and theoretical linguistics. An application should be submitted no later than May 1 of the student's junior year.

Requirements

Students admitted to the program must fulfill the following requirements, in addition to completing their BA: a schedule of course work designed in conjunction with and approved by the director of graduate studies consisting of nine courses, which includes: four to five core courses, three to four electives, and either an internship in computational linguistics or a master’s thesis. The specific course work will vary according to the student’s background in computer science and/or linguistics; however all students will be required to complete COSI 114b and 217a. Depending on the student’s preparation for the program, additional courses beyond the nine may be required.

Residence Requirement

The minimum residence requirement is one year after completing the BA degree.