What is the deadline for the application?
January 15, for all M.A. and Ph.D. applicants.


What are the requirements for the application process?
For M.A. and Ph.D. applicants: Transcripts from all prior study, three letters of recommendation (preferably from instructors), general GRE scores, a statement of purpose, and a TOEFL or IELTS score report (international students only). In order to be eligible for all funding opportunities, students must also file a FAFSA (domestic students only) and a graduate fellowship application.

Additional Ph.D. application requirement: a writing sample (such as a term paper or academic essay).

Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?
Three letters are required. It is recommended that your letters come from previous and/or current professors who can evaluate your academic potential.

How do I apply?
There is an online application, which can be found online at http://www.ucdavis.edu/admissions.html

What are the aims or objectives of the Ph.D. program?
The principal aims and objectives of the Ph.D. program are to offer advanced training and promote research in traditional theoretical linguistics (syntax, semantics, phonology, morphology, universals and typology, etc.) and, especially, applications of linguistic theory to other areas, including, most importantly, second language acquisition and development (SLAD), which is an area of emphasis designated as a specific option for Ph.D. students, but also other areas of general linguistics in which theories of language are applied to questions with extra-linguistic implications, such as the connections between language and the mind and/or brain.

What makes the UC Davis Linguistics Ph.D. program different from those of other UC campuses?
Five other UC campuses offer doctoral programs in Linguistics. However, none of them has a mission, or offers a curriculum, similar to those of our program. Most focus on linguistic theory and model building, with much less, if any, attention paid to applying linguistic research to other areas of concern, especially, second language acquisition and development and bilingualism and multilingualism in socially diverse contexts.

What is distinctive about the UC Davis M.A. program?
Our M.A. program prepares students to teach English as a Second Language to adults in various contexts, including universities, colleges, and adult schools. A particular strength of our program is its extensive practicum. M.A. students begin teaching classes for international graduate students during their first quarter, and continue teaching throughout their first year. They also have opportunities to observe ESL classes on campus and in the community. Their practicum work is closely coordinated with the LIN 300 series of TESOL courses.

What is required for the completion of the Ph. D program?
The degree requirements are detailed here.

I have an undergraduate degree from a different field than Linguistics. Do I need to take any prerequisite classes before starting the M.A. or Ph.D. programs?
You do not need to take classes at an outside institution before starting. However, students admitted to the program with insufficient undergraduate coursework in Linguistics, may need to take prerequisite classes prior to or concurrently with courses that meet requirements for the M.A. or Ph.D. degrees. For more details, see the Ph.D. degree requirements or the M.A. degree requirements.

Is there a unit requirement for graduation?
For the Ph.D. program, students are required to take 28 units in core graduate courses and an additional 24 units of elective courses to be worked out with the student's major professor and approved by the Graduate Advisor.

Are there language requirements for the program?
Yes. These differ for the M.A. and Ph.D. programs. For more details, see the Ph.D. degree requirements or the M.A. degree requirements.

What are the areas of emphasis in the Ph.D. program?
There are two areas of emphasis:

1. Second language acquisition and development (including pedagogical and socio-cultural dimensions)
2. Structural/theoretical linguistics (including numerous areas of general linguistic research: from syntax, phonology, and semantics, to cognitive, neuro-, and psycho- linguistics)

How much is tuition?
The fees vary from year to year and depending on residency status (with California residents paying much less than out-of-state or international students). Detailed information can be found at http://www.ormp.ucdavis.edu/studentfees/.

What is the likelihood of obtaining a Teaching Assistant or Graduate Student Researcher position?
Although the Graduate Group in Linguistics does not guarantee any specific amount or kind of funding, most graduate students generally receive some form of financial aid, whether in the form of Teaching Assistant (TA) or Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) positions (which include monthly stipend and fee remission), or grants. Also, keep in mind that you are eligible to apply for TA or GSR appointments outside of the Linguistics Department for which you have appropriate academic training and background. The Executive Committee of the Graduate Group has established a set of Guiding Principles for the annual determination of how available funds are to be distributed to graduate students by the Admissions Committee.

Can Linguistics graduate students get reimbursed for travel to conferences to present papers?
In addition to the Steven G. Lapointe award and the Graduate Studies Travel Grant Award, which students may apply for, the Graduate Group in Linguistics can provide limited additional travel expense assistance.

How do I find out more about Financial Aid?
Forms and more information can be found on the UC Davis Financial Aid website: http://financialaid.ucdavis.edu/. Particular funding questions may be addressed by the Office of Graduate Studies Financial Aid website located at http://www.gradstudies.ucdavis.edu/ssupport/.

How do I find out about housing in Davis?
There are several resources that may assist you in finding housing during your stay in Davis, some of which include Davis411.com or Student Housing, http://www.housing.ucdavis.edu/.