Graduate Admissions - MA or PhD Degrees
The MA degree with a specialization in language teaching has different application procedures and requirements for admission. See Language Teaching Specialization sidebar.
Preparation
A solid preparation in linguistics proper is an indispensable requirement for any further specialization at the graduate level, applied as well as theoretical. Although the faculty and courses deal with a wide variety of linguistic topics and issues, there are three facets of linguistics that are strongly emphasized in the graduate program:
- A functional approach to the study of language structure and use.
- An empirical approach to the methodology of linguistics research, which includes live data and fieldwork, as well as experimental and cross-linguistic orientations.
- An interdisciplinary emphasis on the place of human language in a wider natural context.
Admission Requirements
Admission into the M.A. program assumes the completion of the equivalent of the University of Oregon B.A. in linguistics. Students without a B.A. in linguistics or its equivalent will be expected to complete the following courses within their first year: Introduction to Phonology (LING 550), Syntax and Semantics I (LING 551), and Syntax and Semantics II (LING 552). A grade of B or higher is required in these courses.
Applicants to the Ph.D. program must submit, along with the graduate application, a sample graduate research paper (or M.A. thesis) at least thirty pages in length. Applicants who intend to pursue a PhD should apply directly to the PhD program. It is not necessary to complete the MA first. The Graduate School requires at least three years of full-time work beyond the baccalaureate degree for the doctorate, with at least one year spent in continuous residence on the Eugene campus. We construe the latter requirement to mean that at least six formal courses, including seminars, must be taken within the program while the student is in continuous residence for three academic terms.
Application Deadline
The fall term application deadline is January 15. Update: We are no longer taking applications for 2012-13. Most students should begin in the fall term. It rarely makes academic sense for new students to begin in winter or spring term because of sequencing of required courses.
Application Materials
(DO NOT bind materials or put them in plastic folder)
- Graduate Admission Application.
- Apply online! This is a general application to the University of Oregon as well as the Linguistics Department application. A $50.00 non-refundable fee is collected by credit card.
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Transcripts Two sets of official transcripts are required. Send one set of official transcripts (in a sealed envelope) from all colleges or universities you attended to the Department of Linguistics, University of Oregon, 1290 University of Oregon, Eugene OR 97403-1290 USA and one set of official transcripts from all colleges or universities where you received a degree (Bachelor’s and subsequent degrees) to Office of Admissions, University of Oregon, 1217 University of Oregon, Eugene OR 97403-1217 USA. Transcripts from foreign countries should have an English version and also 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.
Copies of your transcripts may be uploaded to the online application form but the official transcripts must be sent to the Linguistics Department and the Office of Admissions. Your file will not be considered complete until those transcripts are received in the Linguistics Department.
- GRE scores. The GRE is required for all applicants. Neither the University of Oregon nor the Department of Linguistics sets a minimum requirement for GRE scores. The GRE code for Institution (University of Oregon) is 4846, Department (Linguistics) is 2903. For information about the GRE, write Education Testing Service, 1974 Center Street, Berkeley, CA 94704, or Box 955, Princeton, NJ 08540 or call 1-800-537-3160 or visit website http://www.gre.org .
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.
- TOEFL/IELTS Score (international applicants only). A satisfactory command of the English language is required for admission to the University of Oregon. Applicants whose native language is not English must show proof of language proficiency through one of the following three methods:
| Method |
Requirement |
| TOELF Score |
Minimum Score: 575 (Paper) or 88 (internet-Based). |
| IELTS Score |
Minimum Score: 7.0 overall band score. |
| Degree from English-speaking country |
Submit degree transcripts proving that you have received a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. institution or from an institution in the following countries: Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom. |
- A Statement of Purpose. The statement of purpose should include why you want to enter the program, what has prepared you to enter the program, and 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 and your ability to carry out independent research. 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.
- Writing Sample (required for Ph.D. applicants only). Applicants to the Ph.D. program must submit a sample graduate research paper (or M.A. thesis) at least thirty pages in length. Your writing sample can be uploaded to the online application.
- Financial Statement (international applicants only).
The Office of Admissions requires international students to provide evidence of financial support for all anticipated educational and living expenses for the first year of study in the United States before an I-20 can be prepared. The I-20 is the document required to apply for an F-1 student visa. The evidence you provide must be less than six months old. A Student Financial Statement form is available at http://admissions.uoregon.edu/apply/pdf/ifinancial.pdf. Required documents can be the following:
- Bank statement or certificate of balance signed by a bank official on official letterhead indicating account opening date, average balance, and current balance.
- Scholarship or sponsorship letter verifying the amount, source, and length of the award.
Financial information is sent to the Office of Admissions, 1217 University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403-1217 USA.
- Graduate Teaching Fellowship Application (Funding). Graduate assistantships (teaching, research, and administrative) are known as GTFs at the University of Oregon. GTFs receive a monthly salary, tuition remission, fee subsidy, and health insurance. A limited number of positions are available to first year students. The application can be found at http://gradschool.uoregon.edu/sites/default/files/GTF%20application%20form.pdf.
Submission Instructions
Upload to the Online Application Form
Statement of Purpose
Writing Sample (Ph.D. applicants only)
Graduate Teaching Fellowship application (if applicable)
Send these Documents to Linguistics Department
Official transcripts of all college work
GRE scores
TOEFL (international applicants only)
Send these Documents to Office of Admissions
Transcripts showing degree only
TOEFL (international applicants only)
Financial Statement (international applicants only)
Mailing Address to Linguistics Department
Department of Linguistics
Graduate Admissions
1290 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1290 USA
Mailing Address to Office of Admissions
Office of Admissions
1217 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1217 USA
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 (user name and password) for future reference. An application is not considered complete until all the materials have been received. Application files will not be forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review until they are complete.
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