M.A. in Applied Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition – Advanced Study
Prepare for a career in applied linguistics, language education and teaching
The Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition (ALSLA) – Advanced Study is a two-year program preparing U.S. and international students for a range of careers in language education and research, with opportunities to specialize in language learning research and teaching in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Spanish.
Our M.A. in Applied Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition (ALSLA) – Advanced Study program is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in academia or research-based industries. In addition to traditional course-based education in applied linguistics, our Advanced Study program offers opportunities to develop research skills, to engage in mentored language teaching and to learn effective professional communication strategies.
The Master’s in ALSLA – Advanced Study is a coursework-based program where students gain advanced foundational knowledge in the field, in addition to networking and creating professional development opportunities.
Graduates who earn their M.A. in ALSLA go on to pursue doctoral studies in applied linguistics and related fields and work in institutions of higher learning, private or public (alternative certification) secondary schools, and a multitude of settings in the U.S. and abroad.
Program Objectives & Learning Outcomes
The ALSLA – Advanced Study master's program offers a combination of intensive training in second language teaching and mulitiple opportunities to engage in second language research.
Program at a glance:
- 144-unit program (two year full-time)
- High-quality training in teaching language, content and culture
- Extensive research opportunities with award-winning faculty
- Multilingual and intercultural training in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Spanish
- Varied course offerings including second language acquisition theories, quantitative and qualitative research methods, language program administration, educational policy and technology-enhanced language learning (TELL)
Students in the Advanced Study master's program will:
- Develop foundational knowledge of current second language acquisition theory and research
- Apply current theory and research to practice in a broad range of educational contexts
- Design and carry out a small-scale research project on second language development
- Communicate effectively about research findings, student learning outcomes and educational practice and policy in a range of professional settings
Career Preparation
Graduates of the ALSLA – Advanced Study master's program will be eligible for employment in institutions of higher learning, in private schools or public (alternative certification) secondary schools, and in a multitude of settings in the U.S. and abroad. The program is also designed to prepare graduates for doctoral work in applied linguistics and second language acquisition.
Who Should Apply
The ALSLA – Advanced Study master's program is a good fit for:
- Individuals interested in applied linguistics and second language acquisition research and developing their teaching skills in language, culture and content. No teaching experience is required, but it is encouraged.
- Currently certified K-12 teachers interested in additional training and research experience
- Individuals interested in careers in language program administration or technology-enhanced learning at K-12 schools, community colleges and higher education administration
Tuition and Funding
The Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics (LCAL) is part of the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Learn more about Dietrich College graduate tuition costs.
All students accepted to the M.A. in Applied Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition – Advanced Study program will be considered for competitive LCAL scholarships. No additional scholarship application is required.