Welcome to the Applied Linguistics Department
UMass Boston's Applied Linguistics Department has degrees that are available on campus and online. Explore offerings in theoretical linguistics, applied linguistics, and interdisciplinary areas of psycholinguistics and sociolinguistics. Develop a thorough understanding of the linguistic, cultural, and ideological considerations that govern language acquisition and use. Emerge with deep knowledge of the diversity of issues inherent in the study of language and be prepared to teach and conduct research.
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About Our Department
UMass Boston's Applied Linguistics MA is available on campus and online. The degree program includes concentrations in ESL & Bilingual Education, and foreign language pedagogy, which includes English as a Foreign Language. On-campus we also offer a Latin track in collaboration with the Department of Classics. This degree offers teachers a chance to combine the further study of Latin with coursework in theories of language acquisition. For UMass Boston undergraduate students we also offer the option for an accelerated BA/MA. If you are a UMass Boston junior or senior and you're interested in our accelerated program, please contact Dr. Etienne.
Courses are offered in basic theoretical linguistics, applied linguistics, and interdisciplinary areas of psycholinguistics and sociolinguistics. These courses provide students with a thorough understanding of the linguistic, cultural, and ideological considerations that govern language acquisition and use. The program is thus designed to enable students to understand the diversity of issues inherent in the study of language so that they are well prepared to teach and do research in applied linguistics.
Students have the opportunity to conduct research, work with community based organizations or prepare to teach in various contexts, such as public schools, K-12, adult education, and language schools in the United States and abroad. Our campus program offers three types of graduate assistantships: teaching, research, and administrative.
Nearly 25% of our students come from outside the United States, contributing to a learning environment with linguistic and cultural diversity that enriches the department’s intellectual and social life. Our students also represent a variety of American minority groups.
Prospective students need not have teaching experience to be considered for acceptance into the program.
We also offer an MA degree online option that combines our faculty’s expertise and our long tradition of excellence in applied linguistics studies with new technologies for online delivery and eLearning. This program of studies allows students to complete a fully accredited 30-credit master's degree in two years (four semesters and summer courses) completely online and from anywhere in the world!
Many of our students go on to pursue doctoral work in such fields as linguistics, education, and literacy studies. Prospective students need not have teaching experience to be considered for acceptance into the program.
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Advising
Advising helps you to find the right program and courses, stay on track to graduate, and get ready for a successful career. The Office of Advising Excellence coordinates academic advising across UMass Boston.