Overview

The Linguistics program of the University of Massachusetts Amherst can focus purely on linguistic theory, or combine Linguistics with another field or language. There are several interdisciplinary majors in which the study of Linguistics forms a significant part of the curriculum. It is also possible to major in linguistics alone or to minor in linguistics. If you are interested in discussing majoring or minoring in linguistics, or have questions about any undergraduate Linguistics courses, please make an appointment with one of the Undergraduate Advisors, or stop by during office hours.

Career Opportunities in Linguistics

In the past, the study of linguistics was focused on preparation for a Ph.D. and a career as a college professor. But recent developments have brought radical changes to the employment environment for linguists. New companies and new products appear every day that call upon the skills of linguists. People trained in linguistics are now involved in enterprises like these:

documenting endangered languages such as with the Rosetta Project.

working in the field of law. (Larry Solan, who earned a Ph.D. from UMass in Linguistics, is willing to advise Linguistics majors interested in law.)

creating machines capable of reading aloud to the blind.

development of computer programs for "speech recognition" -- turning spoken language into typed text, taking plane reservations over the phone, and so on.

developing software to translate webpages or other documents from one language to another.

giving new products names that have the right positive associations. (Linguists are responsible for the name of the Cadillac Catera for instance.)

creating new tests of language and reading skills.

teaching English in Japan.

Peace Corps

Programme Structure

Courses include:

How Language Works: Linguistic Theory

Syntax

Speech Sounds and Structure

Phonetics for Linguists

Semantics

The Sounds of Englishes

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-29 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Amherst Center, United States

Disciplines

Linguistics View 450 other Bachelors in Linguistics in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A complete Common Application (including the UMass questions)

Official high school transcript (grades 9 -11) or Secondary School Exams

Official transcripts for all completed college coursework

Letter of recommendation

Application fee of $85 (unable to waive)

English Language Proficiency Requirements

(Optional) SAT and/or ACT scores

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

42269 USD / year

≈ 42269 USD / year
Out-of-State

42269 USD / year

≈ 42269 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

18487 USD / year

≈ 18487 USD / year

Additional Details

Regional: $34,822

Living costs

Amherst Center

United States

1228 - 2543 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Linguistics.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Career Opportunities in Linguistics

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Amherst Center

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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