Linguistics
Since its launch in 1967, the Department of Linguistics has grown both in size and its renowned reputation. UMass Linguistics was ranked #2 for the fifth year in a row in the QS 2022 world rankings, again beneath only MIT. As in 2021, number 3 this year went to the University of Cambridge (#3 went to the University of Edinburgh in 2020, to the University of Maryland in 2019 and to Harvard in 2018). The department, now currently located on the fourth floor of the Integrative Learning Center, houses 15 faculty members, about forty graduate students and about 100 undergraduate majors.
We are internationally recognized as a major center for work in theoretical, experimental, and field linguistics. Our top-ranked doctoral program focuses on educating a small number of Ph.D. students as high-quality researchers and teachers.
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Ranked No. 2 in the U.S.
UMass Linguistics was ranked #2 for the fifth year in a row in the QS 2022 world rankings, again beneath only MIT.
Institutes, Centers, and Labs
Dive into the world of linguistics with hands-on learning in our esteemed facilities, led by renowned faculty who are the best of the best.
In the news
Linguistics Field Methods Class Makes National News in Kazakhstan
Nursultan Assylov, a Kazakh language consultant for a graduate-level Department of Linguistics course on Field Methods, made national news in Kazakhstan.
HFA Winter Courses to Include New Linguistics and French Options for Students
HFA will offer new classes in linguistics and French during the winter 2024 session.
Linguistics Department Celebrates 50 Years
The UMass Department of Linguistics marked its 50th anniversary with a weekend-long celebration in July.
Contact
Joe Pater
Professor, Linguistics
Joe Pater is the department chair and a professor of linguistics.
