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The Linguistics Ph.D. program at the University of Pennsylvania encompasses diverse theoretical approaches and research methods, all united by a dedication to rigorous formal analysis of human language acquisition and use. While rooted in generative linguistics, our program fosters intellectual exchange between empirical data and theoretical frameworks. Through partnerships with departments like computer science and psychology, we cultivate an interdisciplinary understanding of language. Students receive comprehensive training while developing expertise in their specialized linguistic subfields, equipping them for meaningful scholarly discourse both within and beyond our academic community.
Strong applicants seeking an M.A. will be considered.
A strong command of the English language is necessary for successful study at Penn. Applicants whose families do not speak English at home, or applicants who have not attended a high school or secondary school where the primary language of instruction is English, are asked to take the TOEFL, the Test of English as a Foreign Language, administered by the Educational Testing Service. In the event the TOEFL is not readily accessible, Penn will accept results from the IELTS, the International English Language Testing System.