Linguistics

The University of Iowa offers a comprehensive Linguistics program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the scientific study of language. This program explores the fundamental principles that underlie human language, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and language variation. Students will examine how languages are structured, how they develop over time, and how they are used in various social contexts. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing graduates for careers in research, education, language technology, speech therapy, or further graduate studies. Coursework includes analysis of language data, investigation of linguistic diversity, and exploration of cognitive processes involved in language production and comprehension. The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from psychology, anthropology, computer science, and neuroscience to provide a well-rounded understanding of language as a human faculty. Students have opportunities to participate in research projects, work with cutting-edge linguistic software, and collaborate with faculty known for their expertise in syntax, phonetics, sociolinguistics, and computational linguistics. The department supports a vibrant academic community with seminars, workshops, and conferences that foster engagement and scholarly exchange. Graduates of the program will gain critical thinking skills, analytical abilities, and a strong foundation in linguistic theory and methodology. This prepares them for diverse careers or for admission to advanced graduate programs. The University of Iowa’s Linguistics program aims to cultivate a comprehensive perspective on language, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are valuable across many fields related to language and communication.

The number of credit hours for the M.A. varies between 30 and 37 depending on whether the degree is with thesis (30-37) or without thesis (37). All students must have a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit to receive the degree, regardless of prior preparation. All students are required to take the 22 hours that comprise the core curriculum, including:

• Articulatory and Acoustic Phonetics (3005)
• Proseminar: Morphosyntax (5000)
• Introduction to Syntax (5010)
• Syntactic Theory (6010)
• Introduction to Phonology (5020)
• Phonological Theory (6020)
• Generative Second Language Acquisition (6080)
• Linguistic Field Methods (5040), Linguistic Structures (6040), or Language Universals and Linguistics Typology (6050)

Students writing a thesis must take a minimum of 9 semester hours of elective coursework, approved in consultation with the advisor. Nonthesis M.A. students may choose a 9-hour focus area consisting of a series of related courses or may take the M.A. in general linguistics, which requires 9 semester hours of elective credit.

If a focus area is chosen, it is decided upon by students in conjunction with their advisor. The focus area can be in TESL, syntax, phonology, computational linguistics, psycholinguistics, computer science, a language area (Asian, classical Germanic, Romance, Slavic) or a particular language within a language area, theory of second language acquisition, and others.

The TESL focus area consists of:

• The Structure of English (4040)
• Methods of TESL (4050)
• Practicum in TESL (5070)

Students who have had one or more of these courses may substitute an approved elective in consultation with their advisors.

In consultation with their advisor, students may choose two focus areas or a focus area and a thesis. However, these combinations will generally result in a degree completed in five or six semesters of full-time study rather than four.

It is possible to take the M.A. curriculum on a part-time basis, that is, taking fewer than 9 hours of classes per semester. However, students wishing to do so should devise a timetable with their advisor. Additionally, it is strongly recommended that students taking the comprehensive examination after studying part-time review the less recent core course material (Phonological Theory or Syntactic Theory) by auditing the current course.

The thesis is a paper of potentially publishable quality on an area of research undertaken by the student. Students work closely with their advisor and thesis committee members on the selection of a topic for the thesis and the writing of a thesis prospectus, which must be approved by the department faculty. After the thesis is completed, and approved by the advisor and committee, the student defends it in an oral examination before the committee. All faculty are invited to attend the thesis defense. A copy of the thesis should be made available to the faculty a minimum of one week prior to the defense. 

Requirements

• A U.S. bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree from another country as determined by the Office of Admissions
• A minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00, or foreign equivalent as determined by the Office of Admissions.
• You must first submit the online application to the Graduate College and pay the $60 application fee by credit card ($100 for international applicants).
• A statement of purpose
• Answers to supplemental questions from the Linguistics department
• Three letters of recommendation
• A set of your unofficial academic records/transcripts uploaded on your Admissions Profile. If you are admitted, official transcripts will be required before your enrollment.
• Your official GRE scores from Educational Testing Service (the University's institutional code is 6681).
• Once recommended for admission, international students must send a Financial Statement.
• A score of 550 or higher on the TOEFL paper-based (PBT) version of the test, or a score of 81 or higher on the Internet-based version of the test (iBT).
• A total IELTS score of 7.0, with no subscore less than 6.0.

Financing for the Linguistics program at the University of Iowa is primarily offered through a combination of scholarships, assistantships, and student employment opportunities. The university provides a range of merit-based scholarships dedicated to supporting graduate students in the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures, which encompasses Linguistics. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, research potential, and departmental needs. Additionally, the university offers teaching assistantships (TAs) and research assistantships (RAs) that provide a stipend and tuition remission to qualified students. These assistantships not only offset educational costs but also offer valuable professional development opportunities through teaching and research responsibilities.

International students enrolled in the program are encouraged to apply for departmental and university-wide fellowships, which can significantly reduce financial burdens. External funding sources, such as grants and fellowships from organizations like the National Science Foundation (NSF) or the Fulbright Program, are also accessible to qualified students pursuing research in linguistics. The university’s financial aid office provides comprehensive guidance on applying for these funding opportunities, ensuring students are aware of all available resources.

Furthermore, students are encouraged to seek part-time employment on campus, which can supplement their income during their studies. The university’s Career Center offers assistance in locating suitable positions within campus facilities, providing flexibility around academic schedules. The availability of funding options varies depending on the student’s academic level, residency status, and research interests. Overall, the University of Iowa’s commitment to supporting its linguistics students ensures they have multiple avenues for financial assistance throughout their academic journey.

The University of Iowa offers a comprehensive Linguistics program that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the scientific study of language. This program is designed to explore the fundamental aspects of human language, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Students have the opportunity to analyze various linguistic theories and methods, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in language analysis. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from psychology, anthropology, computer science, and cognitive science to help students understand how languages function and evolve.

Students can engage in research projects under the supervision of experienced faculty, who are globally recognized experts in their fields. The curriculum often includes courses in different linguistic subfields, as well as language courses that allow students to study specific languages in depth. The program also emphasizes the application of linguistic knowledge to real-world issues, including language acquisition, language preservation, and language technologies. Graduates from the University of Iowa’s Linguistics program are well-prepared for careers in academia, research, language technology development, translation, and various communication fields.

Apart from coursework, students have access to advanced computational facilities and linguistic labs, which facilitate hands-on research and data analysis. The university’s vibrant academic community encourages collaboration across departments, allowing students to participate in conferences, seminars, and publications. The program also offers opportunities for internships and practical training in linguistics-related industries. Overall, the University of Iowa’s Linguistics program aims to develop versatile graduates capable of applying linguistic principles in diverse professional contexts, contributing to fields such as education, technology, and cross-cultural communication.