Welcome to the Applied Linguistics Department
The Department of Applied Linguistics at UMass Boston offers degree programs in both on-campus and online formats. Students explore theoretical linguistics, applied linguistics, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, and related interdisciplinary areas that examine language in its social, cultural, and educational dimensions. Graduates leave with a strong understanding of language development and use, and are well prepared for teaching, research, and other language-related fields.
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About Our Department
The MA in Applied Linguistics at UMass Boston is offered in both on-campus and online formats. The program includes concentrations in ESL and Bilingual Education and in Foreign Language Pedagogy, including English as a Foreign Language. The on-campus program also offers a Latin track in collaboration with the Department of Classics, combining advanced study in Latin with coursework in language acquisition and pedagogy. UMass Boston undergraduates may also pursue an accelerated BA/MA pathway; interested juniors and seniors are encouraged to contact applied.linguistics@umb.edu.
The curriculum includes coursework in theoretical linguistics, applied linguistics, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, and related interdisciplinary areas. Students develop a strong understanding of the linguistic, cognitive, social, cultural, and ideological dimensions of language development and use, and engage the diverse issues at the heart of language study. The program prepares graduates for teaching, research, and a wide range of language-related professions.
Students have opportunities to conduct research, work with community-based organizations, and prepare for teaching in a variety of settings, including public schools, K–12, adult education, and language programs in the United States and abroad. The on-campus program also offers graduate assistantships in teaching and research.
Our student body reflects significant linguistic and cultural diversity. Nearly a quarter of our students come from outside the United States, and our students also come from a wide range of racial, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds. This diversity enriches the department’s intellectual life and the learning experience of all students.
No prior teaching experience is required for admission. The online MA allows students to complete a fully accredited 30-credit degree from anywhere in the world while benefiting from the department’s long-standing strengths in applied linguistics and its commitment to high-quality online teaching and learning. Many of our graduates go on to doctoral study in linguistics, education, literacy studies, and related fields.
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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.