Linguistics (BA) at University of Southern California

Programme overview

The Linguistics BA is built on an introductory course and a set of core courses in phonology, syntax, semantics and phonetics.

Study mode: full-time | Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

LING 210g Introduction to Linguistics; three of LING 301 Phonology and Morphology, LING 302 Syntax, LING 303 Semantics and Pragmatics, LING 415 Phonetics; three upper-division LING electives (one at 400 level) and one additional upper-division course.

Official programme page

Application information

USD 75,384 a year (2026-27). Estimated undergraduate tuition for two semesters (12-18 units per semester), the USC rate for full-time undergraduates; excludes fees ($1,952), housing, food, books and the $450 new student fee. The same tuition applies to in-state and out-of-state resid Source

First-year students enter in the fall semester; applicants can apply Early Decision (binding), Early Action or Regular Decision.

First-year deadlines for 2027 entry: Early Decision (most majors) November 1; Early Action (most majors) November 1; Regular Decision for performing arts majors (Dance, Dramatic Arts, Thornton Music) December 1; Regular Decision for most majors January 10. Early Decision applicants are notified by mid-December, Early Action in late January and Regular Decision by April 1.

Applications are made through the Common Application; the undergraduate application fee is $85 for all applicants, with fee waivers available except to international students. SAT/ACT scores are optional (test-optional); USC school code is SAT 4852 and ACT 0470.

Transfer applications for 2027-28: December 1, 2026 for selected programmes and February 15, 2027 for all other majors; SAT/ACT scores are not required for transfer applicants.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.usc.edu/

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