The Ph.D. in Linguistics

    The Ph.D. in Linguistics at USC typically involves a much broader range of coursework than what is found at more traditional Linguistics Departments and Programs in the United States.  The program does not focus on the training of theoretical linguists, but instead sees its mission as that of training historical linguists, language acquisition specialists, sociolinguists, and others, who can apply linguistic theory to the pursuit of their research.  Thus, it is typical for a student in this program to use current syntactic theory in investigations into language contact or language variation, or to apply phonological theory to research on second language acquisition.

    The Ph.D. course requirements (see degree requirements) involve seven core courses, plus a four-course primary field of study and a four-course secondary or minor field.  The core coursework includes one year each of phonological and syntactic theory, and a semester each of historical linguistics and the development of linguistic theory.  The primary field is typically chosen from areas such as historical linguistics , second language acquisition , or sociolinguistics , and the secondary field can be a second specialization in linguistics, such as syntax or phonology , or include both LING-designated course and courses from other departments or programs (such as Comparative Literature or Women's Studies).  The secondary field can also be made up of courses drawn from a participating department (such as English Composition and Rhetoric , Medieval and Early Modern English Literature , Experimental Psychology , Linguistic Anthropology , Philosophy, or Communication Sciences & Disorders ).  Most of these special programs of study are featured (or will soon be featured) under "Concentrations".

    For those interested in connecting another field of study at the M.A. level with doctoral training in Linguistics, the Linguistics Program has developed (or is developing) connections between M.A. degrees offered in other departments and the Ph.D. in Linguistics.  Currently, the French and Spanish Graduate Programs each offer an M.A. with a Linguistics concentration (French or Hispanic linguistics, respectively).  These degrees are designed to lead to a Ph.D. in Linguistics with a minor in French Literature , a Ph.D. in Linguistics with a minor in German Literature or a Ph.D. Linguistics with a minor in Hispanic Literature.

   Students who do not already hold the M.A. or M.S. degree in linguistics are encouraged to consult with the Graduate Director before submitting their application online to discuss the option of concurrent enrollment in the M.A. and Ph.D. programs.