Program Overview
The masters in linguistics at the University of Kansas is a comprehensive graduate program designed to deepen your understanding of language, its structure, and its cultural significance. Offered through the Department of Linguistics, this 33-credit hour Master of Arts program provides rigorous training in both theoretical and applied approaches to the scientific study of language. Through this program, you will explore a wide range of linguistic topics including phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, morphology, sociolinguistics, and historical linguistics. The masters degree in linguistics prepares students for careers in academia, research, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector, equipping them with the skills to analyze language and contribute to various interdisciplinary fields.
This program is ideal for those who are passionate about understanding how language works, how it evolves, and how it impacts society. Whether you’re interested in language research, teaching, or applying linguistic principles to other fields such as technology, public policy, or healthcare, the linguistics master’s degree provides a strong foundation. Students complete the program through one of two research-based culminating options: a Research Proposal and Oral Examination (for those in the terminal M.A. program) or a Research Project (for students concurrently pursuing the Ph.D.), allowing flexibility for those planning doctoral study as well as those seeking professional application of advanced linguistic training.
The program includes:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers a broad range of linguistic areas, including phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, morphology, sociolinguistics, and language change.
- Research Opportunities: Opportunities to engage in independent research, complete a master’s thesis (if selected), and work with faculty members on innovative linguistic studies.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from distinguished professors who are active researchers in areas such as phonetics, phonology, syntax, psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, language acquisition, semantics, and the study of indigenous languages.
As one of the established linguistics masters programs in the region, the masters in linguistics emphasizes analytical rigor, cross-linguistic comparison, and methodological training. Students gain hands-on experience collecting and analyzing linguistic data, working with primary sources, and applying theoretical models to real-world language phenomena. Graduates of this linguistics masters program develop advanced expertise in linguistic theory while also cultivating practical research and communication skills.
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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Linguistics, MAKU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Master’s of Linguistics is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, home to a collaborative and creative community making the world better through inquiry and research.Master’s in Linguistics Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the masters degree in linguistics, students will have developed the following skills and competencies:
- Linguistic Analysis: The ability to analyze and interpret language data using a range of formal frameworks and empirical methodologies across multiple subfields of linguistics.
- Research Design and Implementation: The ability to formulate research questions, design data collection strategies, and carry out original research in linguistic theory or applied contexts.
- Theoretical and Empirical Integration: The capacity to connect linguistic theory with real-world language data, demonstrating mastery of phonological, syntactic, semantic, and sociolinguistic analysis.
- Scholarly Communication: The ability to communicate complex linguistic concepts clearly and effectively in written and oral formats appropriate for academic and professional audiences.
- Professional and Ethical Awareness: Understanding of ethical considerations in linguistic research, particularly in fieldwork, language documentation, and community collaboration.
These outcomes ensure that graduates of the masters in linguistics are prepared for advanced academic work or professional roles that require sophisticated language analysis and research expertise.
What Careers are Possible with a Master’s in Linguistics?
Graduates of the linguistics masters program are well-prepared for a wide range of career paths. Linguistics graduates can pursue positions in academia, research institutions, government, the tech industry, and more. The analytical training provided in the masters in linguistics supports roles that require expertise in language structure, communication systems, and data analysis. Sample career paths for graduates include:
- Linguistics Researcher
- Language Data Scientist
- Language Specialist
- University Professor or Lecturer
According to Lightcast, employment for graduates with a linguistics masters will increase 8% over the next 10 years, with current median compensation of $59,000/year nationally. Career outcomes may vary depending on specialization, experience, and geographic region.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For more information on tuition rates, fees, and financial aid opportunities, please visit KU Financial Aid. Graduate scholarships, assistantships, and other forms of financial support may be available for eligible students.Admission Requirements
To apply for the masters in linguistics, prospective students must meet the following requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required, including official transcripts
- Resume/CV
- Statement of purpose
- Provide three letters of recommendation from faculty that ideally have supervised the applicant’s earlier work
- Writing sample, ideally related to linguistics, but one that showcases your general academic abilities in logic reasoning and arguments
For detailed information, please visit KU Graduate Admissions.
Student Life and Learning Experiences
At the University of Kansas, students in the masters in linguistics program are encouraged to engage in hands-on research opportunities. Faculty members are conducting leading-edge research in various subfields of linguistics, and students have the chance to collaborate on these projects. Whether you’re analyzing speech patterns, studying language acquisition, participating in field methods courses, or researching sociolinguistic trends, you will gain valuable research experience that prepares you for a career in linguistics or a related field.
As a graduate student in the linguistics masters program, you will be part of a vibrant academic community. KU offers various student organizations, events, workshops, and colloquia related to linguistics, language research, and applied linguistics. Regular departmental talks and research presentations allow students to engage with current scholarship and develop professional networks.
The Department of Linguistics at KU fosters a collaborative and supportive environment where students can pursue their academic goals while forming lasting professional connections. Through coursework, research training, and faculty mentorship, the masters in linguistics provides a strong academic foundation for both doctoral study and professional advancement.
Master’s in Linguistics Sample Courses
The masters in linguistics program offers a variety of courses designed to give students a thorough grounding in linguistic theory and practice. Some sample courses include:
- Phonetics
- Research Methods in Linguistics
- Field Methods in Linguistic Description
- Research in Field and Formal Linguistics
For a complete list of courses and course descriptions, please refer to the KU Catalog.
Master’s in Linguistics Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
The application deadline for this program is Dec. 3.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in two years.