Doctoral Degree in Linguistics

Who is this program for?

A doctoral program in linguistics is ideal for individuals passionate about the scientific study of language and its complexities, including phonetics, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics. Graduates can pursue careers in academia, research, language technology, language documentation, cognitive science, or policy-making, contributing to fields such as education, artificial intelligence, and cross-cultural communication.

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Linguistics program offers in-depth training in the scientific study of language, preparing students to conduct original research on the structure, use, and evolution of language across diverse contexts. Students explore core areas such as phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, sociolinguistics, and language acquisition, while developing strong analytical and theoretical skills. With opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and fieldwork, graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, language technology, education, and research institutions.

The Linguistics Graduate Program fosters graduate student research, networking, and collaboration with scholars from across the country and the globe. Faculty members act as mentors and advocates for our students, often engaging in joint research projects. The Linguistics Graduate Student Association (LGSA) hosts the annual Central Kentucky Linguistics Conference (CKLiC) under Department sponsorship. CKLiC provides a place for graduate students in linguistics to engage in professional development with eminent scholars, as well as showcase their own work in a full conference environment. The Department also hosts a number of activities and events, such as multiple reading groups in areas of student interest, an invited speaker series, and various multimedia and gaming initiatives that bring linguistics to a broader audience.