Where can I study sign language linguistics in the USA? And what are my chances? (MA/PhD)

[Valeria]

Hello!
I am Russian, and I am in my fourth (and last) year at a Bachelor's program called "Linguistics. The Theory and Practice of Sign Language Interpreting and Intercultural Communication", but it features mostly practical courses in Russian Sign Language and English, although we also have had Introduction to Linguistics, Grammar, Phonetics, Stylistics, RSL linguistics and other linguistic subjects, but no separate courses in Syntax, Semantics, Pragmatics, Morphology or Phonology.
I would like to continue my education in Linguistics in the USA (MA or PhD). As far as I know, it is possible to get into a PhD program without having done an MA, but I am not sure what my chances are. I am currently doing research for my thesis (it's on Russian Sign Language linguistics, conditionals, in particular, and my thesis will be written in English), but I think it's not good enough, because we haven't been taught to do research properly (in my opinion), and the researchers at my university don't work with sign languages (that's why I want to study somewhere else).
My grades are pretty good (it will be 4.7 or 4.8 out of 5.0 by the end of the year), our group went to University College London twice for a month to study BSL and Linguistics there, so my English should be fine, I've been working as an interpreter, I've attended some prominent conferences, I've made some presentations about RSL, but I am not sure about my research potential.
My family can pay for an MA, $40 000 a year is ok for them, but I would like to make it easier for my family and try to get into a PhD program, or find a cheaper MA program. Could you give me some advice? Where should I look? I know a Russian PhD student at UCSD. She and my teacher recommended SDSU, UCSD, UCLA, NYU, University of Rochester, University of Pennsylvania/Chicago/Connecticut and Purdue University, but I think these are too high level for me. Or do I have a chance of getting into one of them?

[gdala]

It's not uncommon for people from other backgrounds to go into linguistics programs, and you'll see all of the programs you look at will require you to take courses in syntax, semantics, or phonology, etc., so it's really not that big of a deal that you haven't taken these courses yet. Have you taken the GRE? While it's not necessarily indicative of a strong application, better scores obviously will give you better chances. I don't know much about sign language linguistics programs, but a friend in my undergrad program was interested in Boston University and University of Texas for this.  As far as the schools you mentioned, they're obviously highly-ranked programs, but it might not be too much of a reach for you.  You already have some research experience and you have some time to put together a strong application. 

[jlt646]

A useful thing to know about Penn is that they currently have no students in the program who are concentrating in ASL linguistics, (Source: http://www.ling.upenn.edu/people/students), there are no relevant dissertations (Source: http://www.ling.upenn.edu/graduate/dissertations), and they only have one official ASL faculty member (she's awesome, but alone). The linguistics program is great, but not for your research area. They don't mention signed non-ASL languages as a research area, only ASL, and the support for that area isn't there. You absolutely have a chance of getting in, but be wary of a program says it offers signed languages but does not actually have the resources. 

Oh! This is not my field, but my ex is an ASL-fluent Penn Linguistics BA. They transferred from an incredible program in Maine to Penn, thinking that it would be a step up. It wasn't. Happy to answer other questions over PM. 

Edited March 12, 2016 by jlt646
Missed a point, had to add it.

[fuzzylogician]

For straight up linguistics programs (which is to say, I know nothing about language specific programs), I know that Harvard, UConn, and UC San Diego have researchers who work on sign language. NYU just had a student who graduated with a dissertation on sign language semantics. 

[onzeheures30]

Hi Valeria! I am currently a 2nd year Ph.D. student at NYU Linguistics with interests in SL linguistics (also from Russia, also with an undergraduate background other than in theoretical linguistics, so I've been almost exactly in your shoes). I also suspect I know your contact person from UCSD =) Feel free to PM me, if you have questions about opportunities for SL-related research at NYU (or any other questions I might be competent to answer).

As for the programs you list, I don't see why you wouldn't have a chance to get into them, but a lot depends on what subfield(s) you envisage yourself working in, what kind of balance between experimental and theoretical research (SL or otherwise) you are looking for, etc. In other words, the standard notion of fit applies.

[billlabov]

A professor from my undergraduate program helped to establish a PhD in linguistics with a focus on signed languages at Gallaudet University, which is a school designed to be barrier-free for the deaf and HOH. I cannot speak to the strength of the program, but I imagine the wealth of natural data at a Deaf university would attract strong researches and inspire cool work. Just a thought!