M.A. in Applied Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition
Prepare for a career in language education and research
The M.A. in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition (ALSLA) is a one-year, intensive 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, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish and English as a Second Language (ESL). In addition to traditional course-based education in applied linguistics, this program offers opportunities to develop research skills, to engage in mentored language teaching and to learn effective professional communication strategies. In this program, students take five graduate courses per semester.
Full-time and part-time enrollment options are available.
The program draws on strengths of the Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics (LCAL) at 麻豆村 in the areas of second language acquisition, language program administration, cultural studies, pedagogy and technology-enhanced learning.
Graduates of the 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 ALSLA master's program may also lead to further graduate work in second language studies.
The program may be completed in one full-time academic year or over up to 8 semesters of part-time enrollment. It is open to undergraduates completing their four-year degree, as well as 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.
Deadlines
The application portal will open on September 1, 2025. All applicants who wish to be considered for fall 2026 entry must have submitted and completed all application materials by: December 1, 2025 for early admission; March 1, 2026 for regular deadline; and, if space is available, May 1, 2026.