At a glance
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Language
Master's
Level
Purdue University's Department of Linguistics offers Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. The programs provide a strong foundation in linguistic principles and develop research and teaching skills, with a particular strength in the analysis of bilingual language systems. Students can tailor their studies to interdisciplinary interests and specialize in areas like Hispanic, German, or Japanese linguistics. The program explores how bilingual individuals process, develop, and maintain multiple languages throughout their lives, utilizing advanced analytical and psycholinguistic approaches.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the application deadlines for the Linguistics MA program?
- The application deadline for Fall admission to the Linguistics MA program is December 3. Offers of admission for the Fall are typically extended prior to April 15.
- What are the academic entry requirements for the Linguistics MA program?
- Applicants for the MA program must have a cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.4 or equivalent from their most recently conferred undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree.
- How do I apply for the Linguistics MA program at Purdue University?
- You need to submit an online application through Purdue's Graduate School system, provide transcripts, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, personal history statement, writing sample, and resume or CV. Check English proficiency requirements on the Graduate School's website.
- What is required for the writing sample for the Linguistics MA application?
- For the MA program, you need to submit a writing sample of at least 2500 words, which can be a course paper demonstrating general writing ability. If you do not have an English sample, you can submit one in Spanish, French, German, or Japanese.
- Are there any scholarships or funding opportunities for Linguistics MA students?
- Admitted students are automatically considered for Graduate Assistantships (Teaching/Research), which offer tuition remission and funding. Oral English proficiency is required for Teaching Assistant roles.
- Where can I find information on tuition and fees for international students?
- Tuition and fee rates are updated annually. International students should refer to the 'Fall/Spring Graduate Rates' and 'Purdue University Online Rates' on the Purdue University Finance website for the most current tuition information.
Entry requirements
Most recently conferred undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree (for MA and PhD)Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.4 or equivalent (A=4.0)
Master's Degree Completion (for PhD)Not required before admission, but must be completed during the first two years of the doctoral program with a 3.6 GPA or equivalent.
General English Proficiency RequirementsRefer to Purdue's Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars basic requirements.
For MA applicants, a writing sample demonstrating general writing ability is required. For students concentrating in Spanish, German, or Japanese linguistics, a digital portfolio (max 5 minutes) with language samples in English and the target foreign language is also required. For PhD applicants, the writing sample should be relevant to linguistics and demonstrate sufficient understanding to enter at the PhD level. International students without an English writing sample can submit one in their target concentration language (Spanish, French, German, or Japanese); submitting both English and foreign language samples is welcome for both MA and PhD.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the 'Fall/Spring Graduate Rates' and 'Purdue University Online Rates' on the Purdue University Finance website for the most current tuition information.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the 'Fall/Spring Graduate Rates' and 'Purdue University Online Rates' on the Purdue University Finance website for the most current tuition information.
LivingNot specified.
Tuition and fee rates are updated annually for the 2025-2026 academic year. International students should consult specific university resources for detailed fee structures.
How to apply
1. Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form through Purdue's Graduate School system.
2. Provide TranscriptsUpload official transcripts from all previously attended undergraduate, graduate, or professional institutions. Translations may be required for non-English documents.
3. Obtain Recommendation LettersArrange for letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic and research capabilities.
4. Write Statement of PurposeSubmit an Academic Statement of Purpose outlining your academic goals and interests in linguistics.
5. Submit Personal History StatementProvide a Personal History Statement as part of your application.
6. Submit Writing SampleInclude a writing sample (minimum 2500 words for MA, relevant to linguistics for PhD). For MA, this can be a course paper. For PhD, it can be a previous paper, MA thesis, or published work. If you do not have an English sample, you may submit one in Spanish, French, German, or Japanese. Submitting both is encouraged.
7. Submit Digital Portfolio (if applicable)If you are concentrating in Spanish, German, or Japanese Linguistics, submit a digital portfolio (max 5 minutes) including language samples in English and your target foreign language. Email this to the program graduate coordinator.
8. Submit Resume or CVProvide your Curriculum Vitae or resume.
9. Check English Proficiency RequirementsEnsure you meet Purdue's standard English proficiency requirements. Details can be found on the Graduate School's English Proficiency Requirements page.
Scholarships
Graduate Assistantships (Teaching/Research)Tuition remission and funding (TA/RA)
Accreditation
Not specified.
Frequently asked questions
What are the application deadlines for the Linguistics MA program?
+
The application deadline for Fall admission to the Linguistics MA program is December 3. Offers of admission for the Fall are typically extended prior to April 15.
What are the academic entry requirements for the Linguistics MA program?
+
Applicants for the MA program must have a cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.4 or equivalent from their most recently conferred undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree.
How do I apply for the Linguistics MA program at Purdue University?
+
You need to submit an online application through Purdue's Graduate School system, provide transcripts, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, personal history statement, writing sample, and resume or CV. Check English proficiency requirements on the Graduate School's website.
What is required for the writing sample for the Linguistics MA application?
+
For the MA program, you need to submit a writing sample of at least 2500 words, which can be a course paper demonstrating general writing ability. If you do not have an English sample, you can submit one in Spanish, French, German, or Japanese.
Are there any scholarships or funding opportunities for Linguistics MA students?
+
Admitted students are automatically considered for Graduate Assistantships (Teaching/Research), which offer tuition remission and funding. Oral English proficiency is required for Teaching Assistant roles.
Where can I find information on tuition and fees for international students?
+
Tuition and fee rates are updated annually. International students should refer to the 'Fall/Spring Graduate Rates' and 'Purdue University Online Rates' on the Purdue University Finance website for the most current tuition information.