Graduate Program

Masters applicants—Not necessarily. While a background in linguistics is beneficial, students without a linguistics undergraduate degree and with an interest and drive for linguistics should still consider applying for our MA/MS program(s). Our admissions committee reviews all applications equally and welcomes applications from those with backgrounds in other areas of discipline. Be sure to review the requirements for the program you're interested in to be sure you’ve met the listed prerequisite coursework.

PhD applicants—The strongest applicants are those with previous experience in linguistics, though all applications are reviewed and considered wholistically.

Because admission to our graduate programs is competitive, conditional offers of admission are extremely rare.

All of our programs are in-person and don't offer any online alternatives.

Yes, if you have completed some of the prerequisite coursework, we encourage you to apply. Our strongest applicants for the MS program have a background in computer science and advanced mathematics including calculus; however, all applications are considered in their entirety.

Yes. As a Tier 1 research facility, the University of Rochester and our department encourage students to seek these opportunities.

Interdisciplinary research is encouraged at the University of Rochester. Many of our students have benefited from engaging in interdisciplinary work with other departments at the University of Rochester. These departments include computer science, philosophy, biomedical engineering, and brain and cognitive sciences, and might include diverse fields such as anthropology or music theory at the Eastman School of Music.

Our PhD program is fully funded. PhD students receive a tuition scholarship and a stipend to cover living expenses. The Department of Linguistics does not offer similar funding to MA/MS students. While a limited number of TA/RA positions are available to graduate students, these positions are not guaranteed to all students.

These are program aspects that are required for PhD students. Because both teaching assistance and research are both required by the program, a PhD student may find additional research funding through grants. TA and RA positions can only be paid after the program requirements have been completed.

PhD students receive a 12-month stipend and full funding, so they are not eligible to be paid for TA or RA opportunities until after their TA/RA requirements for the program are satisfied.

Master's students and PhD students who have completed their TA/RA requirements may be eligible for paid TA/RA opportunities. Compensation rates vary depending on the exact role, but general pay ranges can be found on the university's Student Employment Office (SEO) website. Paid TA/RA positions are not guaranteed.

All graduate students are required to have health insurance. If a student is covered by a spouse’s, parent’s, or other health insurance plan, they may waive the requirement by providing proof of insurance to the University. This would be done before matriculation.

If a student is not covered by an external health insurance plan, they must enroll in University health insurance and are typically responsible for that expense. PhD students, however, receive health insurance in their funding package.

All international students whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of English language proficiency through the submission of official test scores.

The English proficiency test requirement may be waived for citizens of the following countries whose native language is English:

• Australia
• Canada
• Commonwealth Caribbean Nations
• Ghana
• Ireland
• Kenya
• Liberia
• New Zealand
• Nigeria
• Singapore
• South Africa
• Uganda
• United Kingdom
• Virgin Islands

The requirement may also be waived if a student has completed at least three years of full time and in-person, postsecondary study in one of the countries listed above or the United States. We reserve the right to require further demonstration of English proficiency, even if you have received your degree from one of the above mentioned countries.

If you would like to be granted a waiver for these exams, please email our Department Manager.

Applicants whose previous program was taught in English may submit an official letter from their previous institution confirming that the program’s teaching language is English. This should be emailed to the Department Manager and submitted with your application materials.

The minimum recommended score for each exam is:

• TOEFL: 95+
• IELTS: 7+
• Duolingo: 120
• GRE: No minimum score

While test scores have historically been a strong indicator of a successful program, we encourage prospective students to apply even if their scores do not meet the recommended minimum. Supplemental English language courses are available through the University of Rochester to help students improve their communication and writing skills.

See the International Services Office website for more information about becoming an international student at the University of Rochester.