Applying for Admission

The University of Kansas offers a specialized Ph.D. in Child Language focusing on the interdisciplinary academic preparation and research training of child-language specialists. The Child Language Doctoral Program is accepting applications for the 2025 school year with an application deadline of January 6th.

Required Application Materials

  • Your signed, dated and completed application form, if you use a paper form. However, we encourage you to apply online.
  • One official transcript from each college or university you have attended. Transcripts must come in a sealed envelope directly from the institution.
  • The non-refundable application fee in the form of a money order payable to the University of Kansas. If you apply online, the fee will be collected through that web site.
  • Domestic student - paper application: $55.00
  • International student - paper application: $60.00
  • Domestic student - online application: $45.00
  • International student - online application: $55.00
  • 3 letters of recommendation (pdf)
  • A list of all courses taken in relevant areas such as child development, linguistics, psychology, special education, and speech and hearing sciences
  • Scores from the Graduate Record Examination
  • Scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language if your first language is not English
  • A curriculum vita
  • A personal statement describing the applicant's interests in studying child language and professional goals

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree with course work in linguistics, psychology, speech pathology, and statistics
  • Undergraduate GPA of B or better
  • Preference is given to students with a master's degree in linguistics, psychology, education, special education, or speech and hearing sciences