Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are their any prerequisites for the MAT program?  Will one Introduction to Linguistics class be enough to get me prepared?  What kind of background do you recommend I have?
2. How do I know if I have the required three years of a college-level language? 
3. What percentage of out-of-state students are accepted?  Will taking these extra classes prior to applying increase my chances of aceptance?  How many students apply and how many are accepted each year?
4. Is there a minimum GRE test score?  Do the letters of recommendation have to come from only former professors?
5. Do you have any additional information about the program  (brochures, etc.) that you could send me?

1. Many of our entering Graduate students do not have prior coursework in Linguistics, and we recommend taking a general introductory course.  An undegraduate course could not be transferred to a Graduate Degree, but it would still be valuable.

2. The language requirement can be met on the basis of Undergraduate coursework with proper documentation (transcripts).  Many of our students have studied a second language as part of their Undergraduate coursework, and therefore may use that prior coursework to fulfill the language requirenment.  Students who hae studied abroad also have a good chance of having their languate requirement fulfilled.  It is recommended that the student try to keep up with their second language prior to matriculation into the MAT program. 

3. Georgetown is a private university so we don't discriminate against in and out of towners.  On balance, taking linguistics and/or language teaching courses this year should enhance your application, but we don't have a formula.  Our acceptance rate for the MS-TESL/BE program is around 45%.

4. There is no minimum GRE score.  We consider all elements of the application as a portfolio.  Weak scores can be balanced by great grades, for example.

5. The department website has it all.  For a more detailed view of program requirements (and lots of other information about Graduate student life here in the Linguistics Department at Georgetown), please see our Graduate Student Handbook.