Admissions

The admissions committee will evaluate Master of Science in Linguistics, Master of Arts Linguistics with a concentration in Language and Communication and Master of Arts in Teaching applications submitted between September 1, 2008 and November 1, 2008 for admission to the Spring 2009 semester. 


All other applications for admission to the Fall semester with or without financial aid are due by January 2nd for the coming year (applications for the Master of Arts of Language and Communication program are due February 2).  To apply online, please go to the Office of Graduate Admissions website.

Application Materials Required:

Application Form
Non-refundable Application Fee
Statement of Purpose (500 word limit) 
Writing sample (see below)
Official Transcripts (all prior institutions)
Official Recommendations (3)
* GRE Score
* TOEFL/IELTS (required for all non-native English speakers, see below)

Please see the Graduate School's Application Requirements Checklist for more  information.

(* ETS test code number is 5244)

Students applying to the M.S. or Ph.D. programs should indicate on their application form (and written statement of purpose) the concentration that best matches their interests (choose one only):

* Applied Linguistics
* Computational Linguistics
* Sociolinguistics
* Theoretical Linguistics
* Other (Students whose interests cross concentration boundaries may also, in consultation with their faculty advisors, plan individualized courses of study. Applicants who wish to pursue this option should indicate the "Other" concentration on their application, and describe how their interests correspond to those of particular faculty in their statement of purpose.)

Non-native English speakers applying to our M.A.T. program are not required to take the GRE test.

All entering students who are not native speakers of English are required to take an examination in English composition prior to registration. Students who fail to demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in this examination will be required to complete a composition course in the Department of English as a Foreign Language.

Applicants must submit appropriate academic or professional writing samples in English, e.g., a term paper, thesis, or professional articles demonstrating writing and analytical skills.  We have no length requirement, but recommend submissions are between 15 to 30-40 pages. 

Send all supplemental materials, transcripts, and other credentials directly to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Attn: Credentials - (Linguistics)
Box 571004
3700 O Street, N.W. (ICC-302)
Washington, DC 20057-1004

GRE - GRADUATE RECORD EXAM

Results of the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are required for all applicants except foreign applicants to the MAT program. There is no minimum required score on the GRE. Test scores must be received by the application deadline date. Applicants should allow six to eight weeks from the test date for the reporting of scores to the institution. Applications will not be considered without GRE scores. Information on registering to take the GRE can be found on the Educational Testing Service website.

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY: TOEFL / IELTS

All applicants who are not native English speakers are required to demonstrate a level of proficiency in the English language sufficient to meet the admission requirement of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Proficiency can be demonstrated by the receipt of a bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or from a university where English is the primary language of instruction. All other non-native speakers must achieve at least a minimum score on either the TOEFL or IELTS test. Test scores must be received by the application deadline date. Applicants should allow six to eight weeks from the test date for the reporting of scores to the institution. Applications will not be considered without GRE or TOEFL/IELTS scores.

TOEFL: A minimum score of 600 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based tests) or 100 (iBT test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
IELTS: A minimum score of 7.5 from the International English Language Testing System.

Notes on Ph.D. admissions: Admissions to the doctoral program are limited and highly competitive. For the writing sample, doctoral applicants should submit a research paper which demonstrates their ability to conduct original research in Linguistics or a closely related discipline. In their statement of purpose, doctoral applicants should outline a research program and explain their qualifications to pursue advanced research in their chosen area. Prospective Ph.D. students are advised to contact the faculty member(s) whose interests most closely match their own by email, and, if possible, also visit the department and meet with the faculty.  For information on financial aid, please review our financial aid page.

Contacting the Department:

If prospective applicants have questions about research or teaching, they are encouraged to contact the faculty member(s) whose interests most closely match their own.

If prospective students have administrative questions or general questions about the application process, they are encouraged to contact Ms. Erin Esch, Graduate Program Assistant.