Applying
Applications are accepted throughout the year. However, admissions are limited to the Fall semester, and the application deadline is December 12.
CONTACT US: Prof. Cara Kinnally, Director of Graduate Studies, or Tatiana Elistratova, Graduate Secretary, for more information on our graduate programs.
GRADES: The normal requirement is a B+ average (3.5 out of 4) in work in language, linguistics, and literature and a B average in the overall undergraduate program.
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY: All international students are required to provide proof of English proficiency. The results of either TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS must be submitted to the Purdue University Graduate School. Due to long delays for score submissions, upload a copy of your PDF score report and attach it as a miscellaneous document to your application.
The required minimum TOEFL score is 80 on the internet-based test with a minimum in the following areas: writing 18, speaking 18, listening 14, and reading 19 to be admitted to the Graduate School. We accept the IELTS with a minimum band score of 6.5 (with a minimum in the following areas: writing 5.5, speaking 6.0, listening 6.0, and reading 6.5). The required minimum Duolingo score is 115 (with a minimum score of 115 in each area). The Graduate School will routinely waive the TOEFL/IELTS for applicants who have received a baccalaureate degree or graduate or professional degree, within the last 36 months, from a school where English is the primary language of instruction in a country/location where English is the native language.
LANGUAGE SKILLS: The applicant must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the language of study accurately in academic and everyday settings. If such ability is not evident from the application (e.g., course work, recommendations, time spent in the target culture, native speaker status), it will be verified by phone or personal interview with a faculty member in the appropriate language.
ACADEMIC PREPARATION: The applicant must have a background in the proposed area of study, for example, the equivalent of a two-semester survey of the literature to be studied. Those without such basic preparation are eligible for conditional admission only, with deficiencies to be made up in the first one or two semesters. Remedial work may be prescribed as necessary by the specific language department.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Three letters of recommendation are required.
TRANSCRIPTS: Complete official transcripts from all higher-level education are required.