The Ph.D. in Linguistics is an academic/professional research degree, designed to produce scholars who can carry out research on human language in any of its aspects within a contemporary theoretical framework.
Alongside a broad range of minor specializations, we offer Ph.D. specialization in:
- Computational Linguistics
- Language Revitalization
- Phonological Theory
- Psycholinguistics
- Syntactic Theory
UA Linguistics is a leader in helping graduate students find careers outside academia for those who choose to do so. Our Ph.D. alumni work in the tech industry, as well as various other industries, in federal and tribal government language programs, as well as in other Native American community organizations.
This is in addition to the large proportion of students who continue to work in academia as faculty and researchers.
Mission Statement
The Ph.D. program in Linguistics at the University of Arizona is dedicated to advancing the scientific study of language through excellence in research, teaching, community engagement, and outreach. We aim to foster a collaborative, inclusive, and intellectually curious environment that values the diversity of human languages, cultures, and experiences. Our mission is to equip students with the theoretical, analytical, and practical tools necessary to address critical questions about language and its role in human cognition, communication, and society.
Our program embraces a broad range of linguistic subfields and methodologies, combining experimental, observational, computational, and formal approaches to the study of language. We investigate the patterns of sounds (phonetics and phonology), word formation (morphology), sentence structure (syntax), and meaning (semantics and pragmatics), as well as how language is used to shape social perception (sociolinguistics). Our research extends to the cognitive and biological foundations of language (psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, and biolinguistics) and the development of emerging human language technologies (computational linguistics). We are deeply committed to the documentation, preservation, and revitalization of Native American and other endangered languages.
Through a combination of cutting-edge research, high-quality education, and active engagement with local and global communities, we seek to make a meaningful impact on society. Our outreach initiatives promote language preservation, language policy, and linguistic education, with a strong commitment to social justice and support for underrepresented languages. We also collaborate closely with Indigenous communities, honoring the department’s foundational commitment to training Native American and other Indigenous language community members.
We are dedicated to providing high-quality education, equipping students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for careers in academia, industry, government, community service, and beyond. Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, data analysis, and the application of linguistic theory to real-world problems. Our Ph.D. program prepares scholars to contribute to the field of linguistics with innovation, integrity, and an eye toward practical applications that improve the lives of individuals and communities. We strive to train the next generation of linguists to push the boundaries of knowledge while embodying our shared values of inclusivity, academic excellence, and social responsibility.
(Adopted Oct 4, 2024)