Linguistics

The Linguistics program at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, offers students an in-depth exploration of the scientific study of language. This interdisciplinary field encompasses the structure, meaning, and context of language, providing a comprehensive understanding of how language operates in human communication. Students in this program have the opportunity to investigate a wide range of topics, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and language acquisition. The curriculum is designed to equip students with analytical skills necessary to examine linguistic phenomena across different languages and dialects, as well as to understand the cognitive and social aspects of language use.

Throughout the program, students engage with theoretical approaches, experimental methods, and computational tools to analyze language data. They learn to apply linguistic theories to real-world issues such as language change, language disorders, and language technology. The program emphasizes both the scientific and practical dimensions of linguistics, preparing graduates for careers in research, education, technology, translation, and other fields where language expertise is valued.

In addition to coursework, students have opportunities to participate in research projects, attend seminars, and collaborate with faculty on innovative studies in linguistics. The program also encourages interdisciplinary connections with fields such as psychology, computer science, anthropology, and cognitive science, enhancing students' understanding of the multifaceted nature of language. With a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied linguistics, graduates are well-equipped to pursue advanced studies or enter the workforce in roles that require rigorous linguistic knowledge and skills.

Overall, the University at Buffalo’s Linguistics program aims to foster critical thinking, analytical abilities, and a deep appreciation for the complexity and beauty of human language. Its graduates emerge with the expertise needed to investigate linguistic questions, contribute to scholarly research, and apply their knowledge in diverse professional contexts.

Ph.D. student are required to successfully complete 72 credit hours, as indicated below.

Core courses

Syntax 1 (LIN515); Phonology 1 (LIN532); Phonetics (LIN531); Semantics 1 (LIN538); an advanced Syntax course (currently, Typology and Universals, Role and Reference Grammar, or Head-driven Phrase Structure Grammar); Semantics 2 (LIN543);

Specialization courses

4 additional courses/seminars in the student area of specialization

M.A. supervision course

Linguistics 600;

Breadth

3 other 500 level courses;

Method courses

2 Methods courses (2 semesters of Fields Methods; 2 semesters of Quantitative Methods; 2 semesters of Computational Methods). Students should consult the DGS to determine which Methods courses are more appropriate given their intended specializations.

Electives

4 other 500 or 600 level courses.

The remaining 12 credits are “free”. Students may decide to do an Independent Study with a particular faculty member (so long as the faculty agrees to direct the Independent Study), or may wish to take courses in other departments. (Students in the Cognitive Science track will be able to take up to 5 courses in other departments.)

Qualifying Paper

The qualifying paper is required of students who have been admitted to the Doctoral program in the Department of Linguistics, and it must be completed before the student can be passed onto Phase 2 of the program (i.e., the phase during which students conduct their Ph.D. thesis research).

All applicants are required to take the GRE exam; all international applicants must also provide TOEFL or IELTS scores. To be considered for Ph.D. admission, our Admissions Committee prefers a combined quantitative and verbal GRE score of at least 313 and an analytical writing score of at least 4.0 and to be considered for M.A. admission, our Admissions Committee prefers a combined quantitative and verbal GRE score of at least 300 and an analytical writing score of at least 3.0. However, in exceptional cases, evidence from other parts of the dossier can compensate for lower GRE scores. The minimum TOEFL score set by the university for admission is 550 paper-based, 79 internet-based or 6.5 IELTS, but the Department of Linguistics prefers a TOEFL score of 600 paper-based, 100 internet-based or an IELTS score of at least 7.5. The TOEFL or IELTS test must be taken within 2 years of the date you plan to enroll at UB; this 2-year limit is waived for those who are currently studying at a U.S. university providing the minimum score of 79 iBT, 6.5 IELTS (with no sub-score below 6.0) was obtained when admitted to the U.S. university and the applicant has a copy of the original score sheet which must be attached to the online application.

The financial aid process for graduate and professional degree students is similar to that of an undergraduate student; however post-baccalaureate students also need to be aware of a few additional factors that may influence your financial aid awards.

Types of Aid Available

Federal financial aid options that you may be eligible for include:

• Federal Direct Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans
• Federal Graduate/Professional PLUS Loans
• Health Profession Student Loans
• Federal Nursing Student Loans
• Federal TEACH Grant

To be eligible for federal financial aid awards you must complete a FAFSA application and indicate that you are seeking a graduate or professional degree.

New York State also offers the following programs for graduate and professional study:

• Economically Disadvantaged First Professional Study (EDPS) Program
• Veterans Tuition Award
• Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarships
• SUNY Graduate Diversity Fellowship
• Graduate Opportunity Program
• Masters-in-Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship

The University at Buffalo offers a comprehensive undergraduate program in Linguistics aimed at providing students with a solid foundation in the scientific study of language. The program encompasses various facets of linguistics, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatic aspects of language use. Students receive rigorous training in analytical skills, enabling them to examine language structure, function, and development across different languages and sociocultural contexts. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, research skills, and cross-disciplinary understanding, preparing graduates for careers in academia, language technology, speech pathology, translation, and other language-related fields. In addition to core courses, students have opportunities to engage in research projects, linguistic fieldwork, and internships, which enhance practical experience and professional readiness. The program also encourages interdisciplinary approaches by integrating insights from psychology, computer science, anthropology, and cognitive science, reflecting the multifaceted nature of modern linguistics. The university's faculty includes leading experts in phonetics, syntax, sociolinguistics, and computational linguistics, providing students with mentorship and access to cutting-edge research. Facilities such as language labs and access to linguistic corpora support experiential learning and research endeavors. Graduation from this program equips students with a robust understanding of how languages function and evolve, equipping them with skills highly valued across many sectors. Whether students aim to pursue graduate studies or enter the workforce directly, the University at Buffalo's linguistics program offers a rigorous academic environment and vibrant intellectual community to support their goals.