How to Apply

The Department of Linguistics accepts fall-entry applications into its PhD and master's programs once per year. There is no spring-entry option.

The deadlines for submitting applications for Fall 2025 entry are:

  • PhD Program applications are due December 1, 2024.
  • MA and MS Program applications are due February 1, 2025.

Applicants should submit their required materials via the University's . These materials include the following:

  • Online application
  • Application fee of $70
  • Statement of purpose
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Writing sample
  • TOEFL,IELTS or DUOLINGO scores for international applicants

For frequently asked questions about linguistics graduate programs see the bottom of this page.

General information

1. Our ideal applicant

We look for students with strong academic records, or interesting profiles, who show breadth and depth of interests, especially for pursuing interdisciplinary work, and with the potential for creativity in pursuing a successful linguistics research program.

2. Interdisciplinary engagement

Many of our students have benefited from engaging in interdisciplinary work with other departments at the 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳. These departments include computer science, philosophy, biomedical engineering, and brain and cognitive sciences, and might include diverse fields such as anthropology or music theory at the Eastman School of Music. These interests may be addressed in the applicant's personal statement.

3. Tuition and financial support

Our PhD students are fully funded. PhD students also receive a stipend and health insurance.

We do not guarantee funding for MA or MS students. A tuition award (merit scholarship for reduced tuition) may be available for some of the strongest applicants in our masters program. Decisions will be made upon admission to the program. Applicants will be responsible for raising the difference between any departmental tuition award and full tuition.

For further information on tuition, please visit the Office of the Bursar’s website and consult the , under "Arts and Sciences & Hajim”; note that our MA and MS have 32 credit hours. For further information on financial aid and scholarships, please visit the .

4. Bridging courses

Students who come into a masters degree program without any prior coursework in linguistics will be required to take LING 110: Introduction to Linguistics. This course is not part of your program of study for the degree, and the credits do not count towards your degree.

5. International applicants

Applicants who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of the US should visit the website for additional information.

Please send all documents and letters in support of your application in English. If necessary, you can send supporting materials in original formats supplemented by English translations.

Please do not send secondary school records.

Many countries do not issue visas without proof of adequate proficiency in English, such as a satisfactory score on the TOEFL. To obtain a visa for study in the United States, international students must present their Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or IAP-66) at a US consulate or embassy and demonstrate full proof of ability to pay all tuition and living expenses for the first year of study.

Non-discrimination policy

The 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law. Further, the University complies with all applicable non-discrimination laws in the administration of its policies, admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs and activities.

Required application materials

1. Statement of purpose

Your statement of purpose should be a clear, readable narrative that contains information relevant to your Linguistics graduate program application. Statements are best kept to approximately 500-600 words. It should address why a degree in Linguistics will further your professional and academic goals. If you feel there are areas in your application that deserve explanation, address them concisely in your statement. Do not repeat information found elsewhere in your application.

PhD program applicants should specifically address their goals and purpose for pursuing an advanced degree in Linguistics at 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ and address their research interests.

2. Letters of recommendation

We require three letters of recommendation. These are submitted online. You should ask for letters from people who know you as a student, have supervised your research or who you have worked for and know you well. If possible select people who know what linguistics is and can address your interest and ability in undertaking linguistic research and working in a cross-disciplinary environment.

3. Official transcripts

For the application process, you may upload your unofficial transcript(s) through the application portal. Official transcripts are required to be submitted if you are admitted and decide to attend the 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳. 

4. Writing sample

The writing sample is a demonstration of the applicant's scholarly ability. This may be a term paper, a senior thesis, or any paper that demonstrates your ability to research a topic and write your results up clearly. Your written sample doesn't need to be in linguistics. If the work is in a language other than English, please also submit a sample of written work in English.

5. English language proficiency exams

All international students whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of English language proficiency through the submission of official test scores from one of the following exams. Scores more than two years old from the application deadline are not valid.

  • IELTS: Recommended minimum score of 7
  • TOEFL or TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Recommended minimum score of 95
  • Duolingo: Recommended minimum score of 120

To send in test scores please use the following address:

91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳
Graduate Studies-AS&E
500 Joseph C. Wilson Blvd
P.O. Box 270401
91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ NY 14627

TOEFL scores can be submitted using the code 2928 (A department code is not necessary). Duolingo score can be sent directly to the 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ at no cost.

Our testing waiver policy is described in our frequently asked questions below.

Frequently asked questions

Please review the following frequently asked questions. If you need further clarification or have a specific question not listed below, email our Department Manager.

You may also find the helpful in answering broader questions related to graduate programs and admissions.

General program and application questions

Do I need to have a background in linguistics to apply?

Masters applicants—Not necessarily. While a background in linguistics is beneficial, students without a linguistics undergraduate degree and with an interest and drive for linguistics should still consider applying for our MA/MS program(s). Our admissions committee reviews all applications equally and welcomes applications from those with backgrounds in other areas of discipline. Be sure to review the requirements for the program you're interested in to be sure you’ve met the listed prerequisite coursework.

PhD applicants—The strongest applicants are those with previous experience in linguistics, though all applications are reviewed and considered wholistically.

Can I have an application fee waiver?

To be considered for an application fee waiver, you must submit your application and send the application's reference number to our Department Manager with your request. Then the department will consider your request. There is a limited number of applicants who may receive a waiver.

Do you offer an online program?

All of our programs are in-person and don't offer any online alternatives.

I have only completed some of the prerequisite coursework for the Computational Linguistics program. Can I still apply?

Yes, if you have completed some of the prerequisite coursework, we encourage you to apply. Our strongest applicants for the MS program have a background in computer science and advanced mathematics including calculus; however, all applications are considered in their entirety.

Is the GRE required to apply?

No, we do not require applicants to submit GRE scores; however, applicants can choose to include them in their application if they wish. If you take the GRE and want to include it on your application, you must submit official results to the university through the GRE website. The GRE institutional code for the 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ is 2928. Be sure to use the exact same spelling of your name on both your application and test score report.

How long does it take to receive a decision?

Applications are not reviewed until after the application deadline. PhD applications are reviewed at the end of January and MA/MS applications are reviewed in mid-February. It usually takes several weeks after the admissions committee starts reviewing applications to receive a decision letter.

We aim to release PhD decisions by mid to late February, and we aim to release MA/MS decision by late February. Decisions are released to candidates as soon as the committee determines eligibility. Notification may be staggered over several weeks. Please be patient as your application is being reviewed by multiple committee members.

Do you interview applicants before making a decision?

Shortly after the admissions committee starts reviewing PhD applications in late January, our top candidates will be selected for interviews. MA/MS applicants are not invited to interview.

Will you host an open house for prospective students?

Open house plans change year to year due to funding availability and the number of students that are accepted. We try our very best to offer an open house to our accepted students. Specific information will be communicated to accepted students.

Funding and financial aid questions

Do you offer any funding, teaching or research assistantships for graduate students?

Our PhD program is fully funded. PhD students receive a tuition scholarship and a stipend to cover living expenses. The Department of Linguistics does not offer similar funding to MA/MS students. While a limited number of TA/RA positions are available to graduate students, these positions are not guaranteed to all students.

Are paid teaching and research assistantships provided for all incoming students?

These are program aspects that are required for PhD students. Because both teaching assistance and research are both required by the program, a PhD student may find additional research funding through grants. TA and RA positions can only be paid after the program requirements have been completed.

Where can I find the approximate salary range both for teaching and research assistant?

PhD students receive a 12-month stipend and full funding, so they are not eligible to be paid for TA or RA opportunities until after their TA/RA requirements for the program are satisfied.

Master's students and PhD students who have completed their TA/RA requirements may be eligible for paid TA/RA opportunities. Compensation rates vary depending on the exact role, but general pay ranges can be found on the university's Student Employment Office (SEO) website. Paid TA/RA positions are not guaranteed.

Are graduate students responsible for health insurance costs or it is covered by the university?

All graduate students are required to have health insurance. If a student is covered by a spouse’s, parent’s, or other health insurance plan, they may waive the requirement by providing proof of insurance to the University. This would be done before matriculation.

If a student is not covered by an external health insurance plan, they must enroll in University health insurance and are typically responsible for that expense. PhD students, however, receive health insurance in their funding package.

International applicants

Are all international applicants required to take an English Proficiency Exam? Do you accept international applicants who have not?

All international students whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of English language proficiency through the submission of official test scores.

The English proficiency test requirement may be waived for citizens of the following countries whose native language is English:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Commonwealth Caribbean Nations
  • Ghana
  • Ireland
  • Kenya
  • Liberia
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • Uganda
  • United Kingdom
  • Virgin Islands

The requirement may also be waived if a student has completed at least three years of full time and in-person, postsecondary study in one of the countries listed above or the United States. We reserve the right to require further demonstration of English proficiency, even if you have received your degree from one of the above mentioned countries.

If you would like to be granted a waiver for these exams, please email our Department Manager.

What is the appropriate documentation to prove my program was taught in English?

Applicants whose previous program was taught in English may submit an official letter from their previous institution confirming that the program’s teaching language is English. This should be emailed to the Department Manager and submitted with your application materials.

What is the minimum required TOEFL/IELTS/GRE score?

The minimum recommended score for each exam is:

  • TOEFL: 95+
  • IELTS: 7+
  • Duolingo: 120
  • GRE: No minimum score
Where can I find more information about visa requirements and international admissions?

See the  for more information about becoming an international student at the 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳.