Linguist vs CompScientist?

[Shalom Lappin]

Hi Laura,
   These are good questions. I cannot speak for other Computer Science-based
NLP programs, but, in general, in the NLP program in the Computer Science
Department at King's College, London we require our MSc and PhD students to
have a fairly solid background in both programming and the core formal aspects
of computer science (formal language theory, automata theory, etc.) that
are important for computational linguistics. However,we will accept
linguistics students with some programming background and knowledge
of formal grammar/ mathematical lingistics but not much CS training,
if they are interested in pursuing computational linguistics from a CS
perspective and are prepared to acquire the necessary NLP skills as part of
their research program. We have a sister program in computational linguistics
and formal grammar offered through the Philosophy Department at King's.
This program is more oriented toward people from a theoretical linguistics
background. The two programs share core courses and we have a joint colloquium.
If you are willing to consider studying abroad, then two interdisciplinary PhD
programs that you might want to check out are (i) the program in
computational linguistcs at the Institute of Informatics (formerly the Center
for Cognitive Science) at the University of Edinburgh, and (ii)
the PhD in logic and linguistics at the ILLC (Institute for Logic,
Linguistics, and Computation) at the University of Amsterdam (I believe that
it is taught in English). It is also worth looking at the MPhil program
in computational Linguistics at the Computing Lab of Cambridge University.
Good luck in whatever PhD program you choose. Regards.
                                      Shalom



>
> Hi all,
>
> Since deciding late last year to apply to a PhD program, I have been
> lurking on the list to learn more about the current issues in computational
> linguistics in general and HPSG in particular.
>
> I'd be thrilled to hear the opinions of members of the list regarding one
> of my biggest questions about choosing a program.  I have a BA in
> Linguistics from UT and a brand new MA in Liberal Studies from the CUNY
> Graduate Center . (Liberal Studies is one of those do -it-yourself
> programs; the way I did it was to focus on media studies, mass culture, and
> technology.)  I've worked in software/new media since getting my
> undergraduate degree, and I have developed a real interest in information
> science, AI, and most things geeky.
>
> A PhD program in computational linguistics seems like an obvious fit, and I
> have been looking at Penn, MIT, UC Berkely, and maybe UT Austin. But I am
> wondering if I should be looking at computer science departments as
> well.  NYU's Proteus Project looks really interesting, as does Penn's LINC lab.
>
> I was assuming I would have the easiest 'in' applying to a Ling dept, based
> on my past experience, and thought I would just be judicious in choosing
> one that played well with the computer science department.  But now I am
> wondering...
>
> Can anyone tell me about the actual day-to-day differences between being a
> Linguist with a focus in computational linguistics and being a Computer
> Scientist with a focus in NLP?   Having weathered the new media economy
> here in NYC, I'm trying to settle on a path that would afford me
> opportunities later both in industry and academia, and it seems like a
> computer science degree might be more useful.
>
> So that's the long story.  Any thoughts from the list?
>
>