It is difficult to imagine a world with no language— no means to communicate or express oneself. Because language is such an essential part of society, it is no surprise that it has its own branch of study: linguistics.
Linguistics is the scientific study of language and its structure, including morphology, syntax, phonetics, phonology, semantics, and pragmatics. For this article, we discuss seven top linguistics schools in the world.
Top Linguistics Schools in the World
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
One of the world’s leading linguistics schools, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology‘s Department of Linguistics and Philosophy offers undergraduate programs, a Ph.D. in Linguistics, and the MIT Indigenous Languages Initiative Master’s Program. The graduate program was founded in 1961 and produced its first Ph.D. graduates in 1965. Today, the department studies the structure of languages and covers areas such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics.
There are three types of undergraduate programs: an undergraduate major, an undergraduate minor, and a HASS concentration. Meanwhile, most Ph.D. students choose one of four areas of specialization: Experimental Linguistics, Phonology and Phonetics, Semantics, or Syntax. Students may also propose an alternative study plan.
2. University of Massachusetts Amherst
Linguistics students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst may major or minor in Linguistics. Those who major in Linguistics may focus on the field itself or combine it with another area or language, allowing for an interdisciplinary approach. The Department of Linguistics also offers a 15-credit Certificate in American English Linguistics. This certificate is open to matriculated and non-matriculated students, including those who have not been admitted to a UMass Amherst degree program.
Meanwhile, the Ph.D. in Linguistics is highly selective: the department receives more than 150 applications each year and accepts between five and seven students annually. This demand reflects the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s reputation as a highly ranked school for linguistics.
3. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge’s undergraduate program in linguistics is divided into Part I and Part II. Part I lasts for one year and serves as an introduction to all areas of linguistics. Meanwhile, Part II lasts for two years and is focused on specialization.
Those interested in master’s or doctorate studies in linguistics may also consider the University of Cambridge. It offers MPhil programs in Linguistics and Language Sciences, available as taught and research routes, as well as a Ph.D. in Linguistics: Theoretical and Applied Linguistics.
4. University of Oxford
Oxford University’s Faculty of Linguistics, Philology, and Phonetics has two joint undergraduate degrees covering linguistics: Modern Languages and Linguistics and Psychology, Philosophy, and Linguistics. The Modern Languages and Linguistics program focuses on the theoretical study of human language, how it works, and specific issues of language structure. Meanwhile, the Psychology, Philosophy, and Linguistics program allows students to study language from theoretical and experimental viewpoints and emphasizes the relationship between the mind and linguistics.
For its graduate studies, the University of Oxford offers two taught master’s courses, the one-year MSt and the two-year MPhil, as well as a doctoral program, the DPhil. The master’s programs are intended for those who wish to specialize in General Linguistics, Historical and Comparative Philology, or the linguistics of a specific language. Those who aim for an advanced research degree and wish to complete a thesis may proceed further into the doctorate program of this excellent institution for linguistics.
5. University of Edinburgh
Among the world’s leading linguistics institutions, the University of Edinburgh was one of the first universities in Britain to teach Linguistics and the first university in the United Kingdom to offer a program in Applied Linguistics. Its School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences offers undergraduate Linguistics and English Language programs. Students may pursue stand-alone MA (Hons) degrees such as Linguistics or English Language, the MA (Hons) Linguistics and English Language, or other joint degrees involving linguistics and English language.
The university also offers multiple master’s degrees in linguistics and related fields, including MSc Applied Linguistics, MSc Developmental Linguistics, MSc English Language, MSc Evolution of Language and Cognition, MSc Linguistics, MSc Psychology of Language, and MSc Speech and Language Processing. It also lists a Linguistics MScR, but that research degree is not currently open for applications. Each program has its specialization. For instance, the MSc Linguistics program equips students with the skills needed for linguistic research.
The University of Edinburgh also offers a Ph.D. in Linguistics and English Language. Ph.D. students may choose from a wide array of research topics, such as applied linguistics, developmental linguistics, historical English linguistics, and morphology, among many others.
6. Harvard University
Harvard University is among the oldest universities to offer a linguistics program in the United States. Its Department of Linguistics offers undergraduate study and a graduate Ph.D. program. Undergraduate students focus on linguistic theory, historical linguistics, and the cognitive aspects related to language, including mind, brain, and behavior. Harvard has listed a joint A.B./A.M. pathway for eligible undergraduates, but the department currently notes that the program is being revised.
For graduate study in Linguistics, Harvard began offering higher degrees in comparative philology as early as the 1930s. The Ph.D. program includes course requirements, a language requirement, two generals papers, and a dissertation. Harvard also offers two graduate secondary fields: Historical Linguistics and Linguistic Theory.
7. Stanford University
Known as one of the leading linguistics schools in the world, Stanford University‘s Department of Linguistics has a top-ranked Ph.D. program in the field of linguistics. It offers two types of undergraduate programs in linguistics: a major and a minor. The undergraduate major focuses on human language and the importance of its study. Students who opt for the undergraduate minor program earn a solid background in linguistics.
Students who wish to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in linguistics simultaneously may be interested in the university’s Coterminal Master’s program. This program prepares students for a career or further studies in linguistics by developing their knowledge in the field. A limited number of Stanford undergraduates are accepted into the program.
Stanford’s Bulletin lists an M.A. in Linguistics, and the department highlights the coterminal route for eligible Stanford undergraduates. Doctoral students may earn their Ph.D. through a program that emphasizes theoretical work grounded in empirical language data. Ph.D. students in other departments may also pursue a Ph.D. minor in linguistics to develop a strong background in the field.
FAQs about Studying Linguistics
What is the Best Country to Study Linguistics?
There is no single best country to study Linguistics because the right choice depends on your research interests, preferred language of instruction, funding options, and faculty fit. However, the United States and the United Kingdom are especially strong options, with several of the schools above based in those countries. Germany and Switzerland are also worth considering for students interested in European universities and multilingual environments.
Hopefully, this article on the best linguistics schools in the world was informative and insightful. If you are interested, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
