StudyQA — PhD: Linguistics — University of California

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Description Contents Requirements Funding

The graduate program of the UC San Diego Linguistics Department combines training in descriptive and theoretical linguistics with innovative experimental approaches to the study of human language. Our graduate students also participate in interdisciplinary collaborations with researchers in related fields like anthropology, cognitive science, computer science, and psychology.

Theoretical training is provided in the core areas of linguistic analysis (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics). Theoretical issues are explored through a variety of mechanisms, including formal analytic assessment, primary linguistic data collection and analysis, and experimental investigations. Research training in the Department includes field methods and documentation of understudied languages, phonetics (acoustic, perceptual and articulatory analysis), language acquisition (spoken and signed languages), psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, and computational modeling.

These areas of activity reflect the Department's commitment to cognitively realistic analyses of language structure on a typologically diverse range of languages. With its instructional and research program, the Department is actively working toward a synthesis of the basic insights and findings of diverse theoretical and experimental perspectives.

Graduate study in Linguistics at UC San Diego represents a balance of structure and flexibility, of concentration and breadth. The first two years provide a structured introduction to the core areas of linguistic analysis: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. After the first year, a student has progressively greater flexibility in choosing both specific courses and general areas of study. In its later phases, each student's program is unique, being specially designed (in consultation with faculty advisors) to accommodate individual needs and developing research interests.

All graduate students must take twelve courses prior to taking the qualifying examination. These required courses should normally be completed early in the graduate student's program of study. There are seven required courses; the remaining five courses are electives, three of which must be taken in the Department. All required and elective courses except for LIGN 293 must be taken for a letter grade.

One course in Phonetics (LIGN 210)
One course in Phonology (LIGN 211)
One course in Morphology (LIGN 220)
One course in Syntax (LIGN 221)
One course in Semantics (LIGN 230)
One course in Field Methods (LIGN 240)
One course in Research Paper Writing (LIGN 293)

For a typical student, the program of study runs approximately as follows (for well-prepared students, the time frame may be shortened). The first year is primarily occupied by required sequences in the core areas of linguistic analysis. In addition to continuing course work, a student in the second year of study writes an original research paper to demonstrate the ability to conduct high-quality research. The third year is largely devoted to mastering the student's field of specialization and selecting a dissertation topic. It culminates in an oral qualifying examination by which a student advances to Ph.D. candidacy. The candidate then writes and defends a substantial dissertation incorporating the results of original research.

Requirements

New students are admitted only for the Fall quarter of any academic year. Admission is competitive, and the program of study rigorous. Students with backgrounds other than linguistics may be admitted depending on the type of preparation and strength of the rest of the application.The Admissions Committee evaluates applicants based on their past academic performance. Important factors in the evaluation of an application include:

the nature of the undergraduate course program that the student has undertaken, as evidenced by official transcripts from the undergraduate institution;
statement of purpose
three letters of recommendation;
scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) - only the general one is required
demonstrated English language proficiency, as appropriate;
an optional written sample of linguistic work.
writing Samples: Writing samples and other supporting materials should be included in the online application.
TOEFL for International Students. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for International applicants whose native language is not English and whose undergraduate education was conducted in a language other than English. Official test scores must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies. TOEFL scores are only valid if they are no more than two years old. The minimum TOEFL score required for consideration for admission is 80. For more information on the TOEFL, visit their Website at http://www.toefl.org. Your TOEFL requirement will be waived by the Grad Division if you have studied for one uninterrupted year at a university-level institution in a country where English is the official language.