Application Information

App​lication Materials

Application materials are required unless otherwise specified. Please also refer to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Admissions site which provides comprehensive information about admissions, the application process, and financial aid. When you decide to apply, you’ll submit all admissions materials through the Graduate School’s online application portal Georgetown GRAD.

1. Application Form

2. Non-refundable Application Fee: USD $95.00

3. Statement of Purpose (500 words)

Why is this program a good fit for you? Tell us why are you interested in language, the study of language, and communication. Tell us about the academic and professional preparation you have to study graduate-level linguistics. Most importantly, tell us how you’d like to use your training in your post-graduate career. (It’s fine if you don’t have a clear idea yet–our program goals are to learn how to apply linguistics in a variety of career paths.)

4. Writing sample
Submit an academic or professional writing sample in English. Examples of academic writing samples are term papers, undergraduate or graduate theses, or capstone papers. (These don’t have to be linguistics papers because previous courses in linguistics are not required to apply.) A professional writing sample that demonstrates writing and analytical skills in an extended form could be a program evaluation, grant application, report, or white paper. Submissions should be at least 8-10 pages. 

5. (Un)official Transcripts from all prior institutions of higher education. You can submit unofficial transcripts from your institutions with your application. However, upon offer of admission, you will have to obtain the official transcripts to submit.

6. Letters of Recommendation: Submit three (3)
Recommendations can come from academic and/or professional sources, with a preference for faculty, academic advisors, and professional supervisors; that is, people who have supervised and evaluated you in classes or in a professional capacity. Please do not submit character references from individuals who know you only in a personal capacity.

7. Resume and/or CV

8. GRE Score: None required. You will not be penalized for not submitting GRE scores.

If you choose to submit scores, please note that the scores must be received by the application deadline date of January 1. Applicants should allow 6-8 weeks from the test date for the reporting of scores to the institution. Information on registering to take the GRE can be found on the Educational Testing Service website. Georgetown’s ETS test code number is 5244.

9. English language proficiency

All applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency to be eligible for admission. Proof of English language proficiency can be demonstrated by:

  • 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. The degree does not have to be earned by the time of application but will need to be conferred by the start of the semester to which the applicant is applying. Please note that applicants receiving degrees at universities in U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico, are required to submit either a TOEFL or IELTS score report unless the primary language of instruction at their institution is English.
  • TOEFL: Submit an official Test of English as a Foreign Language score report of 600 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based tests) or 100 (iBT test).
  • IELTS: Submit an official International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Module score report with a minimum score of 7.5.
  • International applicants: Please see the Graduate School’s Admissions Information and Information for International Applicants for more complete information. Georgetown’s Educational Testing Service (ETS) test code number is 5244.

10. Eligibility for internal funding: Unfortunately, the Linguistics Department does not offer merit-based tuition scholarships or Teaching Assistantships to Master’s students.

Contacting the Department

If you have questions about how to shape your application or if the program is a good fit for you, please contact Director, Master’s Programs & Career Management, Dr. Alexandra Johnston.

If you have administrative questions or general questions about the application process, please contact Ms. Erin Esch Pereira, Graduate Program Coordinator.

We’re looking forward to receiving your application!