The Department of Linguistics accepts applications for admission to graduate study starting only in the fall term each year. The application becomes available in September through the Graduate College website. The application deadline depends on the modality that the applicant chooses:
- For international and domestic applicants to the Main Campus (in-person) HLT program, the application deadline is December 15 of the previous year. Admissions decisions will be returned around March of the following calendar year at the latest.
- For international and domestic applicants to the Arizona Online HLT program, applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Admissions decisions will be returned starting in January, and following that will be returned roughly 2-4 weeks after an application is received. The application deadline for the academic year that starts in August is July 20 of the same year.
Entrance Requirements
Students wishing to enroll in the Master of Science in HLT should have some prior training in either linguistics or language-related liberal arts disciplines or the more scientific fields that HLT includes — computer science, mathematics, or engineering. All applicants must have a foundational proficiency in Python prior to the start of their courses. The required level of proficiency can be achieved through informal self-study; applicants whose programming background is not visible on other parts of their application (for instance, through courses in their transcript) should include in their personal statement a description of their plans to reach the required level of proficiency before their courses start. Applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Application
Applications are submitted through the University of Arizona Graduate College. Paper applications will not be accepted. Further information about the HLT application: HLT is considered a STEM program, and for those who need it for the application, its CIP code is 11.0102.
GPA Requirement
Prospective applicants must have a 3.0 or higher GPA to qualify for admission.
Personal Statement
Applicants must submit a concise statement (usually one to three pages) focusing on their background and preparation, the kind of activities they would like to pursue at the University of Arizona, and their long-term career goals.
Writing Sample
Applicants must provide a writing sample to demonstrate their level and proficiency in writing. The length may be only a few pages but must represent the applicant’s own effort, language proficiency, and ability to communicate a complex topic clearly and logically.
Transcripts
Please upload an official copy of your transcripts to the Graduate College application. If you don’t yet have your official transcripts you can admit your unofficial copies, but upon admission, the Graduate College will require official transcripts from all universities attended.
Standardized Tests
The GRE is optional and not required for the MS HLT Program.
English Proficiency
English proficiency is one of the requirements for admission for all applicants whose native language is not English. Applicants must submit a minimum TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 550 on the paper-based test (PB), 79 on the internet-based test (iBT), or an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) composite score of 7 (no subject area below a score of 6). In the rare case that a Graduate teaching assistantship is offered to an HLT student; International students must attain the minimum TOEFL or IELTS score listed above and in addition, must attain a score of 26 or higher on the speaking portion of the TOEFL IBT.
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from letter writers who know the student’s work, specifically assessing the student’s ability to carry out graduate work in linguistics. Applicants are encouraged to submit letters of recommendation from professors who are familiar with the applicant's recent academic work.
Questions
If prospective applicants have any questions, please contact the program coordinator at sbs-lingcoord@arizona.edu