Photo of Ph.D. student in Linguistics Stephanie Rich and senior LING major Sebastian Bissiri working in the lab at UC Santa Cruz

Degrees

The Linguistics program offers a Master of Arts degree and a Doctoral degree.

Important: Transcripts and letters of recommendation are required of all applicants. 

See the test score requirements for this program.

  • This sample can be a term paper, an MA thesis, a research proposal, or any other work of your choosing that shows the ability to conduct substantive research.
  • This statement should describe your plans for research in graduate school and how these fit into your future profession. Include any information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and qualifications for graduate study at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Recommended length: 2-3 pages.
  • This statement should discuss how your personal background has informed your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Include any educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences, challenges, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how you might contribute to social or cultural diversity within your chosen field; and/or, how you might serve educationally underrepresented segments of society with your degree. Recommended length: 2-3 pages.

View all application deadlines

Contact information for UCSC Graduate Programs

Learn more about the Linguistics M.A. and Ph.D. programs

Return to All Programs

Last modified: Oct 27, 2025