Programs

English as a Second Language, Foreign Language Pedagogy(Concentrations)

The MA Program in Applied Linguistics at UMass Boston is comprehensive in its scope and designed to introduce students to the theoretical, empirical and practical dimensions of applied linguistics. The Program emphasizes both theory and practice. These areas of inquiry are reflected in faculty and student research and the intellectual diversity characterizing the content of the various courses that students will be taking.

Curriculum:

Its interdisciplinary core curriculum includes courses in:

• basic theoretical linguistics, applied linguistics
• psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics
• discourse analysis and ethnographic research methods
• ESL/EFL methodologies
• cross cultural studies

The program is thus designed to enable students to understand the diversity of issues inherent in the study of language so they are well prepared to teach and do research in applied linguistics. Students pursuing the MA in Applied Linguistics have a wide range of opportunities, including conducting research, working with community-based organizations, or preparing to teach in various contexts, such as public schools, K-12, adult education, and language schools outside the United States. 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.

The program operates on a cohort model whereby all participants complete the same program of study over a two-year period.

Program Highlights:

• First - Rate Faculty
• Flexibility and Convenience
• Teaching English as a Second Language Concentration

Learn more about this program:
To receive more information and connect with the program manager, please click on inquire now to the right.

Sample a Course

Click here for more information on the Master's in Applied Linguistics Program.

Registration is administered through Division of Corporate, Continuing, and Distance Education at UMass Boston. Payment is due upon registration. Please see Fee Schedule below.

Type of Fee	Amount
Fee per credit	$463.33
Late Reg. Fee per semester*	$25
Returned Check Fee per semester**	$25
Total for course***	$1390 (463.33x3 credits= 1390)

Click here to browse our course listings.

*applicable when you register after deadline; non-refundable unless course has been cancelled

** applicable when checks returned unpaid

*** Courses can vary from one to six credits; this total represents a standard 3 credit course

The University of Massachusetts is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Did you know?

University of Massachusetts has earned several awards for its distance learning programs, faculty and technology including:

• UMassOnline Awarded ‘Public Sector of the Year’ by Mass Technology Leadership Council , 2008
  
• Most Outstanding Online Teaching and Learning Program, UMass Lowell’s Online Graduate Behavioral Intervention in Autism Program, Sloan Consortium Excellence Awards, 2008
  
• ‘Excellence in Online Teaching’ Award, Dr. Jeannette E. Riley, Sloan Consortium Excellence Awards, 2008
  
• 21st Century Best Practices Award, United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
  
• Program of Excellence, University Continuing Education Association (UCEA)-Journalism Certificate
  
• Excellence in Faculty Development, Sloan-C Excellence Awards
  
• Excellence in Online Programming, Sloan-C Excellence Awards
  
• Excellence in Online Teaching, Sloan-C Excellence Awards
  
• UMass Amherst Isenberg MBA, Top 10 national rankings, #4 Best Professors (2005, 2006, 2007 Princeton Review: Best Business Schools rankings)
  
• 4th in Primary Care Education, U.S. World Reports
  
• Ranked 45th Best University System in the World - London Times
  
• Excellence in Distance Teaching Education - United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) 

Generally, an applicant to the Master's in Applied Linguistics Program is required to have least a 3.0 GPA, preferably in a relevant field of study such as foreign language, linguistics, sociology, anthropology, English, history, political science or psychology. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required but may be submitted to bolster an applicant's academic record. Candidates for the ESL Concentration must indicate proficiency in a language other than English at a level equivalent to two years of successful college study. Non-native speakers of English must submit a minimum TOEFL score of 575 paper based / 230 computer based.

Admission is competitive - Apply early! Here’s how…

1.  Read application form instructions carefully and complete form. Click here for the application.

2. Candidates must supply three references, which indicate strong language skills and an ability to do academic work at the graduate level. If possible, referees should address directly the applicant's suitability for graduate work in Applied Linguistics. At least two letters should be from academic sources (previous professors); one of the three can be from an employer, a teaching supervisor, or principal. References should state clearly how long the referee has known the applicant and in what capacity.

3. Candidates must submit a written statement of at least 1,200 words indicating the reasons for their interest in pursuing a degree in Applied Linguistics. This statement is an important part of the application and is evaluated as evidence of the applicant's writing ability and familiarity with issues in the field. A discussion of the applicant's experiences in language study, language teaching/tutoring, travel, or living in other cultural settings is appropriate, as is the discussion of the candidate's career goals. The applicant may also use the statement to directly address any areas of weakness in their application. The statement should specify the applicant's intended concentration, whether English as a second language or Foreign language pedagogy.

4. Request official transcripts from each college or university you have attended.

5. If you are applying for Financial Aid, please fill out the FAFSA form at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

6.  The application is in a PDF file. Click here for the application. You will need an Acrobat Reader application by Adobe to view and print the application. If you don't have the Acrobat Reader application, you can download the installation from their website for free.

Download by clicking here or download at http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/main.html

Only accept one cohort per year: Deadline is February 15th

Availability of financial aid varies depending on matriculation and course status. Please check with your program manager or advisor to determine your eligibility. Generally, if you are matriculated in a degree program and are enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits each semester, you may qualify for financial aid. Please review our Financial Aid Checklist below.

1. Fill out the FAFSA form at www.fafsa.ed.gov. It is important to list the University of Massachusetts Boston school code number 002222.
2. Next, download your required Financial Aid Forms here.
3. Check your financial aid status using WISER.
4. For more information or if you have further questions, please contact Financial Aid Services at 617.287.6300 or at finaid@umb.edu

Tips:

• Please renew your FAFSA form every year.
• When you register for classes, please contact the Division of Corporate, Continuing, and Distance Education at UMass Boston (617) 287-7916) to let them know you that you have applied/are applying for financial aid. Also, it is in your best interest to register for your classes either by phone or fax ((617) 287-7916 ph; (617) 287-7902). You can download the registration form here. If you do not intend to apply for financial aid, you can register online.

Contact:

For more information or if you have further questions, please contact Financial Aid Services at 617.287.6300 or at finaid@umb.edu.