Computational Linguistics PhD Program Timeline for Students Beginning in September 2020

As a student pursuing a PhD in Computational Linguistics, it is essential to understand the timeline and requirements set forth by the program. This article outlines the key milestones and expectations for students beginning their PhD journey in September 2020.

Supervision Committee

Upon starting the program, students will meet regularly with their Supervisor, Second Reader, and Third Reader to discuss progress on their Generals Papers. The Supervision Committee is composed of three faculty members chosen by the Graduate Coordinator and the student.

Generals Papers

Students are required to write two Generals Papers, each in a distinct area of focus. These papers must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator to ensure they fall within an appropriate area of study. The two areas of focus can include Cognitive Science, Language Variation and Change, Linguistic Theory, or other subfields such as Phonology, Syntax, or Semantics.

Coursework

Students are enrolled in LIN2201H and LIN2202H in succession. To maintain good standing, students must achieve a median mark of at least A- in all graded components of the program. The PhD curriculum consists of two main components: Generals Papers and coursework.

For the first year, students take a minimum of 0.5 FCE at the 1200 level, with at least 0.5 units in Phonology, Syntax, or Semantics. Students also complete an elective course, which may be taken outside the Department of Linguistics with approval from the Graduate Coordinator.

Some required courses include JLP2452H - Language Acquisition and Linguistic Theory, LIN1272H - Advanced Psycholinguistics II, LIN1271H - Advanced Psycholinguistics I, and others. By the end of Year 2, students will complete a total of 4.5 FCE.

Professional Development

To foster a sense of community among PhD students, the department offers various professional development opportunities. These include attending seminars and workshops hosted by organizations such as LDDR - Language Description, Documentation and Revitalization Group, Linguistics Graduate Course Union (LGCU), and Society of Linguistics Undergraduate Students (SLUGS).

By understanding the program's timeline and requirements, students can effectively plan their academic journey and achieve success in their PhD studies.

Computational linguistics phd