Students gain advanced knowledge of structural/theoretical linguistics, second language acquisition and development, bilingualism and multilingualism, and formal and descriptive linguistics. The program offers both a Ph.D. and a M.A. The Ph.D. program is supported by a wide array of faculty and encompasses numerous research areas. Linguistics at UC Davis distinguishes itself from programs at other UC campuses by offering an area of emphasis in second language acquisition and development, or SLAD, which responds to a growing need for researchers trained to investigate issues of multilingualism and the acquisition and teaching of nonnative languages. Other possible areas of emphasis include language and society, language and mind/brain, and language structure and theory. The M.A. program prepares students to teach English to speakers of other languages and provides them with a strong background in formal and descriptive linguistics.

Graduate Program Requirements