Master's Degree (MA) in Linguistics
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The Linguistics MA at the University of Kentucky is ideal for students interested in understanding how language works, varies across communities, and changes over time. It is particularly well suited for individuals pursuing advanced linguistic research, doctoral study, or careers involving language analysis, computational methods, and communication.
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Linguistics at the University of Kentucky prepares students to explore how language is structured, used, and evolves through advanced study in linguistic theory, research, and analysis. Students develop specialized knowledge in morphosyntax or sociolinguistics while gaining practical experience with computational methods, linguistic data, and research techniques.
Through access to specialized research labs, faculty expertise, and interdisciplinary opportunities, students build analytical and problem-solving skills applicable to careers in language technology, research, healthcare communication, government, and other fields. The program also provides a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing doctoral studies in linguistics.
Related Careers
- Linguistic Researcher
- Computational Linguist
- Language Data Analyst
- Speech and Language Technology Specialist
- Government Research Analyst
- Language Technology Consultant
- Sociolinguistic Researcher
- Communication Research Specialist
- Language Localization Specialist
- Academic Researcher
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Deadlines
Domestic Students
-
Fall
- 07/23/2027
International Students
-
Fall
- 04/15/2027
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
The Master of Arts in Linguistics requires 30 credit hours of graduate coursework. Students complete foundational courses in linguistic research methods, linguistic theory, syntax, and phonology, along with additional coursework in morphology or phonetics.
- Linguistic Theory and Structure: Examine syntax, morphology, phonology, and the principles governing how languages are organized.
- Sociolinguistics and Language Variation: Investigate how language reflects social identity, culture, geography, and communication across communities.
- Computational and Corpus Linguistics: Apply computational tools and data-driven methods to analyze linguistic patterns and large collections of language data.
- Linguistic Research Methods: Develop quantitative and qualitative research skills to collect, interpret, and analyze linguistic evidence.
- Historical Linguistics and Language Change: Explore how languages develop, interact, and evolve across time and cultural contexts.
- Specialized Linguistic Analysis: Pursue advanced study in morphosyntax or sociolinguistics through focused coursework and faculty-guided research.
Specializations Available
Students may specialize in one of two areas:
- Morphosyntax: Focuses on grammatical structure, including morphology, syntax, phonology, and related theoretical and computational approaches.
- Sociolinguistics: Focuses on language variation and its relationship to society, including sociolinguistics, linguistic anthropology, discourse analysis, and quantitative and qualitative research methods.
At least 20 credit hours must be completed through regular coursework, and at least 15 credit hours must be taken at the 600 or 700 level, subject to program requirements.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
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