Master's Program

Our M.A. program in Linguistics requires the student to develop a solid understanding of the core areas of the discipline in addition to an in-depth specialty in one of the many areas available through the research interests of the faculty and associate faculty.

Applications to the master's program in Linguistics may be submitted electronically or through the mail. To request paper application forms, please write to the address at the bottom of the page.

The Graduate School offers an online application to our department here.

In addition to the application form (electronic or paper), applicants must also provide all the following materials. Note that the online application process may include some of these items.

1. Appropriate application fee (varies)
   
2. Résumé or Vita
   
3. A statement outlining your educational and career goals may also be attached to your application. This very important part of your application helps the faculty to decide whether our program is appropriate for you. In the statement, you should explain why you want to study linguistics and what you intend to do with the knowledge you would gain from studying here. You should also note any special circumstances concerning your application, your prior training or experience, and anything else you wish the faculty to take into account in evaluating your application.
   
4. One (1) official copy of your transcript from each institution you have attended since you graduated from secondary school. If your transcript was issued in a language other than English, a certified translation in English should be attached to each official copy.
   
5. Three (3) letters of recommendation, sent directly to the department by the person recommending you. If possible, these people should include faculty members who have supervised your earlier work.
   
6. An official report of the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
   
7. For non-native speakers of English: Two official TOEFL score reports of a test taken no earlier than two years before you apply. The minimum score for admission to the M.A. program is 58 (paper) or 23 (computer) in each of the three sections of the TOEFL and (for the Ph.D.) an overall score of 600 (paper) or 250 (computer). A TOEFL score is required even if you have studied at another American University.

Applicants wishing to be considered for financial aid must submit all materials by January 1. The application deadline for international students is January 1 for Fall admission.

Outstanding students entering the M.A. program with the intent of continuing for a Ph.D. may compete for Honors/First-year Fellowships. Advanced students also may apply for summer fellowships, dissertation fellowships, and teaching or research assistantships in linguistics and other departments.

For paper admission forms, or more information about the program, please contact the department:

The University of Kansas
Chair, Department of Linguistics
Blake Hall
1541 Lilac Lane, Room 427
Lawrence, KS 66044-3177
Telephone: (785) 864-3450
linguistics@ku.edu