Gaining A Deeper Understanding Of Language and Communication: Applied Linguistics Degree
Are you fascinated by languages and the ways that humans use it to communicate with each other? Are you interested in studying the nature of language and how it can be used to solve problems in a real-world setting? If so, a degree in the interdisciplinary field of applied linguistics might just be what you need to turn your passion into a career. It is the type of degree that enables you to delve deeper into the fundamentals of language and communication, which makes it invaluable to a number of career paths. A degree in applied linguistics can help you to observe language in a new context as well as understand how it influences the way people interact with each other and the world around them. Studying the field of linguistics doesn’t mean that you learn a lot of languages, although there is nothing stopping you from doing so, but learning more about language.
Applied Linguistics Degree Information
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics
The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics is a degree aimed at students who are interested in career paths involving research, writing, communications, translation, education and other fields related to linguistics. This type of degree can usually be completed in four years and feature courses such as Language and Technology, Sounds of Language, Structures of Language, Language and Society, Computational Linguistics, Language Development Disorders, and Language Learning in a Global Context.
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics: TESOL
The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics: TESOL degree is a four year program that is aimed at students with an interest in becoming teachers who specialize in English as a Second Language. Required courses for this degree may include Intercultural Communication, English Grammar, Language Teaching Methodology, Second Language Acquisition, Materials Development and Professional Issues in TESOL.
Master of Arts In Applied Linguistics
The Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics is a degree that can typically be completed between three and five years, depending on the number of courses taken per semester. It consists of a number of core courses, such as Linguistics, Cross-Cultural Perspective, Psycholinguistics, Sociolinguistics and Theories and Principles of Language teaching. Students may also be required to choose a concentration, such as ESL and Bilingual Studies or Foreign Language Instruction, and then completing the required courses for that particular concentration. The first-year curriculum for this degree tend to focus on Applied Linguistics along with five additional courses, while the second year consists of Applied Linguistics along with guided electives. The completion of an approved thesis is usually also a requirement for this type of degree.
Doctor of Philosophy in English - Applied Linguistics
A doctoral degree in applied linguistics is ideal for students interested in teaching on the college level or conducting research into languages. Required core courses for the PhD in Applied Linguistics degree may include Meaning and Structure in English, Morphology and Syntax, Phonetics and Phonology, as well as Sociolinguistics. Directed electives may include Phonology, Contrastive Analysis, Language and Culture, History of English Language, Discourse Analysis and Historical Linguistics. The completion of a dissertation on an original topic is usually also a requirement for earning a PhD in applied linguistics.
Applied Linguistics Degree FAQ
Who Is An Ideal Candidate To Study Applied Linguistics?
The ideal candidate to study applied linguistics is obviously someone who is passionate about language and communication. While it is usually not a requirement, being proficient in at least one language other than English can be very beneficial for this field. Being able to express yourself clearly is important as is critical thinking and analytical reasoning.
Can I Earn An Applied Linguistics Degree Online?
Most applied linguistics degrees can only be obtained via campus based courses, but there are a few online options available. Online applied linguistics degree programs tend to be a Master’s level and focus on teaching English as a Second Language concentration. Students are typically provided with interactive course materials and access to online study methods in order to complete the degree in their own time. This is very useful for students who are already employed and want to make use of their free time to further their education and enhance their career prospects. Studying online is also great for students who have other obligations that make a campus based course impossible.
What Type of Career Opportunities May Be Available After Studying Applied Linguistics?
A degree in applied linguistics can be useful for a number of career paths that has to deal with language and communication. This includes jobs related to the analysis and treatment of language disorders as well as the teaching of foreign languages. People with this type of degree often go on to work in the field of information technology on projects involving speech recognition, speech synthesis or natural language processing. Other professions that are common to the field range from audiologist to translator, writer, policy analyst, lexicographer and many more.
How Much Can I Potentially Earn When Working In A Field Related To Applied Linguistics?
Your potential income after earning a degree in applied linguistics will depend on your chosen career path. For example, interpreters and translators earned a median pay of $51,830 per year during 2019, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the other hand, technical writers earned a median of $72,850 per year, while speech-language pathologists earned $79,120. Some states have higher salaries than others, so your geographical location can also be an important factor when it comes to earning potential.
What Is The Difference Between Linguistics and Applied Linguistics?
Students who study linguistics tend to focus on all aspects of human language. This involves the study of how language is used for communication, how it is learnt, and how variations can occur over time. Applied linguistics has more to do with the practical issues that can be solved with language. This means that applied linguistics can be classified as a subfield of linguistics that is more practical and focuses on the testing of the theories of pure linguistics. Applied linguistics can be applied to all aspects of language use equips students with the skills needed to identify language-related problems as well as search for solutions.
What Are The Other Advantages to Studying Applied Linguistics?
Because applied linguistics is such a diverse field that intersects with numerous other areas, it can be extremely useful for any type of career path. It not only helps to sharpen important skills such as problem-solving, analytical thinking and problem solving, but can also improve your cross-cultural skills. Since society is becoming much more multilingual as well as multicultural, an applied linguistics degree can be very beneficial no matter what career path you choose.
