Application Information
Application Materials
Application materials are required unless otherwise specified. Please also refer to the Graduate 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 Admissions Application Portal.
1. Application Form
2. Non-refundable Application Fee: USD $95.00 Any fee changes will be found in the Application Portal as you begin to complete the application steps.
3. Statement of Purpose: 500 words
Why is this program a good fit academic and professional fit for you? Tell us why are you interested in linguistics and the scientific study of language(s) and communication. Tell us about the academic and professional preparation you already have that prepares you to study graduate-level linguistics. Tell us how you’d like to use your training after you graduate. It’s fine if you don’t know if you’d like to pursue a PhD or enter the workforce. One of our program goals is to help figure out those next steps by the time you graduate and demonstrate the utility of linguistics in a number of postgraduate pathways.
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. If you have been in the workforce for a few years, submit a professional writing sample that demonstrates writing and analytical skills in an extended form, such as a program evaluation, grant application, report or white paper. Submissions should be at least 8-10 pages. If you have any question, contact the Director of Master’s Programs.
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 two (2)
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
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 degree or other advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or from an accredited 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.
- 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 find resources located in the Office of Global Services for Admission of International Students and Scholars. Georgetown’s Educational Testing Service (ETS) test code number is 5244.
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 of Master’s Programs, 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 look forward to receiving your application!