Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.A. in Linguistics
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Linguistics at UB is a 30-credit hour program, typically completed within two years of full-time study. It offers flexibility with three distinct tracks: a general M.A. in Linguistics, a focus in Germanic Linguistics, or a concentration in East Asian Languages and Linguistics. The program's mission is to train students in the descriptive and theoretical study of language, equipping them with a comprehensive understanding of language properties, research methodologies, and contemporary linguistic theories. It also hones essential skills such as academic writing and the effective dissemination of research findings.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.A. in Linguistics at UB covers the major areas of the discipline. Required courses typically provide a strong foundation in core linguistic subfields, including Phonetics (the study of speech sounds), Phonology (the study of sound systems), Morphology (the study of word structure), Syntax (the study of sentence structure), and Semantics (the study of meaning). Students also engage with topics like Discourse/Pragmatics (the study of language in context), Psycholinguistics (the study of language and the mind), Language and Culture, and Typology and Universals (the study of linguistic diversity and commonalities). The specific courses will vary depending on the chosen track (General, Germanic, or East Asian concentration), and the program culminates in a comprehensive exam or a research project.
Research Focus: The Department of Linguistics at UB has a strong research focus on the interface between language and cognition, empirically grounded linguistic theory, and both cross-linguistic studies and in-depth studies of individual languages other than English. Faculty research interests span areas such as typology (classification of languages), psycholinguistics/experimental linguistics (how language is processed in the brain), syntax, semantics, and language documentation. The department is committed to training students in all aspects of linguistic research, encouraging them to engage with cutting-edge theories and methodologies to advance the scientific understanding of human language.
Industry Engagement: The M.A. in Linguistics program at UB is designed to prepare graduates for a range of professional careers where a strong understanding of language is critical. The program explicitly aims to help students find "more fulfilling jobs in industries employing language specialists." While specific mandatory internships are not universally detailed, the curriculum emphasizes developing skills in linguistic research, theoretical understanding, and effective communication, all of which are highly valued in various industries. The department's Master of Science (M.S.) in Computational Linguistics, offered jointly with Computer Science and Engineering, demonstrates a clear commitment to industry-relevant skills for human language technologies, and M.A. students may be able to leverage related opportunities or electives. Graduates are well-prepared for roles that require linguistic expertise and analytical problem-solving.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Linguistics program at UB inherently fosters a strong global perspective through its comprehensive study of human language diversity. The curriculum explores typological universals (what is common across all languages) as well as the unique characteristics of specific languages and language families, including those with a focus on Germanic or East Asian languages. By examining language in various cultural contexts and across different populations, students gain a deep appreciation for linguistic and cultural diversity worldwide. As a major public research university, UB attracts a diverse international student body and faculty, which further enriches the learning environment with varied linguistic backgrounds and global viewpoints, preparing graduates to engage with language issues on an international scale.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Linguistics from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) provides graduates with a robust foundation in the scientific study of human language. Housed within a department known for its comprehensive coverage of major linguistic areas, UB's program emphasizes empirically grounded linguistic theory, cross-linguistic studies, and in-depth analyses of individual languages. The M.A. in Linguistics at UB is designed to serve a dual purpose: preparing students for more fulfilling jobs in industries that employ language specialists or in teaching positions where a strong linguistic background is crucial, and serving as a foundational stepping stone for those interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Linguistics. Graduates emerge with highly transferable skills in analytical reasoning, critical thinking, problem-solving, data collection and analysis, and strong written and verbal communication, making them versatile professionals.
Computational Linguist: This is a high-demand field, especially in the tech industry. Graduates work on developing natural language processing (NLP) algorithms for speech recognition, text-to-speech synthesis, machine translation, chatbots, and artificial intelligence, often requiring additional computer science skills.
Translator/Interpreter: With expertise in language structure and meaning, graduates are well-suited for roles in government agencies, international organizations, legal settings, healthcare, or private companies, facilitating communication across linguistic and cultural barriers.
Technical Writer/Editor: Linguists excel at explaining complex information clearly and concisely. They are in demand for creating user manuals, software documentation, scientific reports, and other technical content for various industries, including software, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP): While requiring further specialized certification/licensure (e.g., in Communication Sciences and Disorders), an M.A. in Linguistics provides an excellent foundation for understanding speech and language disorders. SLPs diagnose and treat communication and swallowing difficulties in diverse populations.
Lexicographer: Graduates with a passion for words and their meanings can work for dictionary publishers or online linguistic resources, researching word origins, definitions, usage, and maintaining linguistic databases.
ESL/EFL Teacher or Curriculum Developer: With a deep understanding of language acquisition and structure, graduates are well-prepared to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) in the U.S. or English as a Foreign Language (EFL) abroad, or to develop language learning materials for various educational settings.
UX (User Experience) Researcher: In the tech industry, linguists can contribute to UX research by analyzing how users interact with language in digital interfaces, ensuring clarity, usability, and cultural appropriateness for software, websites, and apps.
Dialect Coach/Accent Specialist: Graduates can work in the entertainment industry (film, theater), education, or for individuals, helping actors master specific accents or assisting non-native speakers in refining their pronunciation for professional or personal goals.
Forensic Linguist: This specialized field involves applying linguistic analysis to legal cases. Graduates might analyze written or spoken text to identify authors, determine meaning in contracts, or assess the authenticity of communications for law enforcement or legal firms.
Language Data Analyst: Many companies, particularly those involved in market research, social media, or AI, require linguists to collect, annotate, and analyze large datasets of language, identifying patterns, trends, and insights relevant to business or research objectives.
