Linguistics Master's Degree Application

Apply to MA in Linguistics

Please review our program's faculty list and select up to three faculty (excluding Keli Yerian, Trish Pashby, and Mokaya Bosire) with whom you are interested in working. You should be in communication with potential advisors before submitting your application; faculty email addresses can be found on our directory page.

Questions: Direct admissions questions to the Graduate Coordinator Lisa Knox at lisaknox@uoregon.edu .

How to apply:

  1. Admissions Requirements
  2. Application Deadline
  3. Application Materials
  4. Submission Instructions
  5. Application Status

Admissions Requirements  

Understanding of the Degree Requirements. Match to faculty research expertise (especially important for those who would like to complete a thesis) applicants should visit our faculty research page to learn more about faulty research interests and areas of specialization. 

Students are required to submit a statement of purpose describing their interest in the program, goals for their time in the program and the faculty with whom they would like to work (applicants should visit our faculty research page to learn more about faulty research interests and areas of specialization), a writing sample (such as a substantial term paper), any transcripts showing relevant coursework, and three recommendation letters. GRE scores are optional.

Application Deadline

We will begin taking applications Fall 2025. The priority deadline is January 5th, then admissions will be done on a rolling basis. Most students should begin in the Fall term. It rarely makes sense for new students to begin in Winter or Spring term because of sequencing of required courses.

Application Materials

Graduate Admission Application: This is a general application to the University of Oregon as well as the Linguistics Department application. A $70 non-refundable fee for domestic students, and a $90 non-refundable fee for international students, is collected by credit card. Fee waivers are available and more information is on the Division Graduate Studies application fee waivers page. Applications open Fall 2025.

Transcripts 

Official degree-awarded transcripts are required by the Office of the Registrar. All unofficial transcripts should be uploaded to your application for departmental review.

Request from your university a set of official transcripts from all colleges or universities where you received or will receive a degree (Bachelor's and subsequent degrees). Send these to:

Office of the Registrar
5257 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403

Your file will not be considered complete until the transcripts are received by the Office of the Registrar.

Electronic Transcripts 

If your degree institutions offer official electronic copies sent by a secured provider (i.e. National Student Clearinghouse, Parchment Scrip Safe etc.) you may have them sent to registrar@uoregon.edu directly from the institution. These are subject to review and verification of authenticity. We cannot accept PDF attachments sent via email. University of Oregon graduates need not send official transcripts of their degree.

Upload copies of your transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended (even those where you did not receive a degree) to the online application form on GradWeb. Please note transcripts for the department are uploaded to GradWeb and are not mailed to the department.

Transcripts from foreign countries should have an English version and a certificate of degree attached. If you have not yet finished the degree at the time of application, send the most up-to-date transcripts available. If you are accepted and enroll at the UO as a graduate student you will be required to show proof of your degree within the first two weeks of your first term. Please visit the Division of Graduate Studies transcripts page for further instructions on submitting official transcripts.

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose should include:

  • Why you want to enter our specific program.
  • What has prepared you to enter the program.
  • What you want to accomplish in the program.
  • What you are planning to do once you have completed the program.

It is usually 1 to 2 pages in length. Your statement of purpose can be uploaded to the online application.

Three Letters of Recommendation 

Identify three persons familiar with your academic experience. The online application requests contact information (name, position, institution, telephone number, and email) for each recommender. Upon submission of your online application, each recommender will be notified via email and provided with instruction on how to respond. After submitting your application, an online checklist becomes available and you can monitor receipt of your letters. At least three letters of recommendation must be received for the application to be considered.

Graduate Employment (Funding)

Masters students are usually not offered funding. Therefore, we encourage applicants to investigate other possible sources of financial support, such as GE openings within the College of Arts and Sciences. 

GRE Scores

PLEASE NOTE: AS OF FALL 2023, SUBMISSION OF GRE SCORES IS OPTIONAL

If an applicant wants to submit their GRE scores, the GRE code for the Institution (University of Oregon) is 4846. It takes five or six weeks for scores to reach the Linguistics Department, so be sure to take the exam in time for your scores to arrive before the application deadline, if you wish to submit them.

Submission Instructions

1. Upload to the Online Application Form:

  • Statement of Purpose
  • Unofficial transcripts from all universities or colleges attended
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Writing Sample

2. Send Official Transcripts to the Office of the Registrar:

  • Official transcripts from institutions where you received a degree.
    • Mailing Address for the Office of the Registrar:
      • Office of the Registrar
        5257 University of Oregon
        Eugene, OR 97403

3. Request scores sent to Institution Code 4846 from ETS:

  • GRE Scores Official (optional)
  • TOEFL/IELTS score report (international applicants and any non-primary English language speakers). Please visit the Division of Graduate Studies website for the most up to date information regarding language proficiency scores.

Application Status

Applicants can track the progress of their admission material by accessing the university's online application. When applying, make note of your login credentials (username and password) for future reference. An application is not considered complete until all the materials have been received. A final decision will not be made until the application file is complete.

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