UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST · UNITED STATES
PhD in Linguistics
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
60 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 5-7 students admitted per yearProgram Competitiveness
- 5.7% of US & Canada Linguistics faculty positions held by alumni (2024 study)Alumni Success
- Focus on independent research and teaching preparationResearch Focus
- Close student-faculty contactMentorship
- Interdisciplinary study opportunitiesCross-Field Learning
The PhD program in Linguistics at UMass Amherst is designed to train students for careers in academic research and teaching, as well as non-academic professional roles. The program emphasizes close student-faculty interaction and encourages students to engage in independent creative research early in their graduate careers. Students can specialize in various areas including syntax, semantics, phonology, phonetics, psycholinguistics, language acquisition, language variation, and computational linguistics. The department also facilitates interdisciplinary study with related fields like philosophy, computer science, psychology, and mathematics. The program is highly competitive, admitting only five to seven students per year for Fall admission.
Curriculum
The PhD program typically spans five years, with the first three years focused on coursework and the final two dedicated to dissertation research. Students are required to complete coursework in core linguistic areas and begin original research projects early on. The program structure emphasizes critical evaluation of models and collaborative scientific effort.
- Years 1-3
- Core Linguistics CoursesNot specified
- Independent Research ProjectsNot specified
- Years 4-5
- Dissertation Research and WritingNot specified
Careers
Graduates of the UMass Amherst Linguistics PhD program pursue diverse career paths in both academia and non-academic sectors. The program aims to equip students with the research and teaching skills necessary for success in these fields.
- Professor of Linguistics
- Researcher
- Academic positions
- Non-academic professional roles
Frequently asked questions
- What is the duration of the PhD in Linguistics program?
- The PhD program typically spans five years, with the first three years focused on coursework and independent research projects, and the final two years dedicated to dissertation research and writing.
- How competitive is the PhD in Linguistics program?
- The program is highly competitive, admitting only five to seven students per year for Fall admission.
- What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
- Applicants must achieve a TOEFL iBT score of 80 (with no sub-scores lower than 20), an IELTS score of 6.5 (with no sub-scores lower than 6.0), or a Duolingo English Test score of 115. Four years of secondary education in English with a British or American curriculum may also grant exemption.
- When can I apply to the PhD in Linguistics program?
- Applications are accepted for Fall admission only. Specific application periods and deadlines are not detailed, but applicants should consult the department's requirements.
- What are the career prospects for graduates of this program?
- Graduates pursue diverse careers in academia, such as Professor of Linguistics or Researcher, as well as non-academic professional roles.
- Where can I find information about tuition and fees?
- Tuition and fee information can be found through the UMass Amherst 'Tuition and Fees' resource.
Entry requirements
Previous academic recordsNot specified for PhD
TOEFL iBT80 (with sub-scores no lower than 20 in each section)
IELTS6.5 (with sub-scores no lower than 6.0)
Duolingo English Test (DET)115
English EducationCompleted four years of secondary education in English with British or American curriculum
Official score reports must be submitted directly from the testing agency and be less than two years old. TOEFL MyBest Scores are not accepted. Student copies are not official. Exemptions may be granted for applicants with completed non-ESL English composition courses and humanities/social science courses with a grade of B or better from a US college or university, subject to review.
Fees
Tuition (international)Not specified
Tuition (home)Not specified
LivingNot specified
Tuition and fee information can be found through the UMass Amherst 'Tuition and Fees' resource.
How to apply
1. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all necessary documents including transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and English proficiency test scores.
2. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online application form through the UMass Amherst graduate admissions portal by the specified deadline.
3. Await DecisionAdmissions decisions are typically sent out after the review period. Due to the high volume of applications and limited spots, only a small cohort of students is admitted each year.
Accreditation
Not specified
Frequently asked questions
What is the duration of the PhD in Linguistics program?
+
The PhD program typically spans five years, with the first three years focused on coursework and independent research projects, and the final two years dedicated to dissertation research and writing.
How competitive is the PhD in Linguistics program?
+
The program is highly competitive, admitting only five to seven students per year for Fall admission.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
+
Applicants must achieve a TOEFL iBT score of 80 (with no sub-scores lower than 20), an IELTS score of 6.5 (with no sub-scores lower than 6.0), or a Duolingo English Test score of 115. Four years of secondary education in English with a British or American curriculum may also grant exemption.
When can I apply to the PhD in Linguistics program?
+
Applications are accepted for Fall admission only. Specific application periods and deadlines are not detailed, but applicants should consult the department's requirements.
What are the career prospects for graduates of this program?
+
Graduates pursue diverse careers in academia, such as Professor of Linguistics or Researcher, as well as non-academic professional roles.
Where can I find information about tuition and fees?
+
Tuition and fee information can be found through the UMass Amherst 'Tuition and Fees' resource.