MA Linguistics at University of Virginia

Programme overview

Terminal MA providing rigorous training in general linguistics, with options to focus on anthropological linguistics, TESOL or specific language families.

Faculty: Graduate School of Arts & Sciences | Department: Linguistics | Study mode: full-time | Location: Charlottesville, VA, United States

What you will study

Core coursework in linguistic theory, historical linguistics and language structure, with electives from related departments. Areas include phonology, morphology, syntax, field methods and language documentation, sociolinguistics and language contact, and Deaf linguistics.

Career pathways

Translator, language-technology professional, language instructor, analyst, community language revitalization specialist, or English teacher abroad.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (all programmes): online application with a 500-1,000 word statement of purpose, unofficial transcripts of all postsecondary work, minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, two letters of recommendation (programmes may require more), and an $85 non-refundable application fee. International applicants whose undergraduate degree was not earned entirely in English submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test scores: TOEFL iBT 90 overall (22 speaking, 22 writing, 23 reading, 23 listening) for tests taken before 1/21/26, IELTS 7.0 in each section, Duolingo 130 overall; committees may still consider scores below these minimums. GRE is not required for this programme. MA application window: January 15 to May 1.

Requirements published at faculty level.

Domestic applicants: USD 22,770 a year (2026-27). Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Master's programs rate (annual). Rate for Virginia residents. Tuition only; excludes mandatory/comprehensive and program fees. International students pay the non-Virginia resident rate only if the schedule so applies; Source

International applicants: USD 38,384 a year (2026-27). Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Master's programs rate (annual). Rate for non-Virginia residents. Tuition only; excludes mandatory/comprehensive and program fees. Source labels this rate as non-Virginia residents (not specifically international). Source

Application fees (2026-27): undergraduate $75; Graduate School of Arts & Sciences $85; Architecture $80; Batten graduate $75; Darden non-PhD $250, Darden PhD $100; Data Science $85; Education and Human Development $65; Law $85; McIntire graduate $85; Medicine $80; Nursing $88; SCPS $70; Graduate Engineering no fee.

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