Just noticed all current Ph.D. candidates in BU's Linguistics program have MAs *Context*: I'm a fall-term graduating senior double-majoring in Computer Science and Linguistics. I am applying to 5 doctorate programs in Linguistics for Fall 2021, including Boston University.

As I was adding finishing touches to my SOP for BU's program, I noticed that all current Ph.D. candidates have MAs. It seems that not even one of them was accepted straight out of undergrad. The program application is open to undergraduate and graduate students alike. Is there a high chance that it is an unspoken requirement?