About: 

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.

This program includes concentrations in bilingual education, ESL instruction for English language learners (ELLs), and foreign language pedagogy, which includes English as a Foreign Language. 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.

Students enrolled in this program of study generally complete the course requirements 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 .

Sample a Course

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

Tuition/Fees: 

Please see Fee Schedule below.

Type of Fee Amount
Fee per credit $575
Total for course***                                 $1,725 (575 x 3 credits = 1725)

All online students must take 1-3 courses each semester to be considered an active student (3-9 credits).

New Student Fee: $345.00 (This will be billed and not charged at time of registration)

Additional Fees
Graduation Fee: $ 180.00 (This will be charged during last semester)
Returned Check Fee per semester $ 25.00
Program Fee: If you must take a semester off - $203.00 per semester

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

Accreditation: 

The University of Massachusetts is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Did you know?

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

  • Second year that UMass Boston has been recognized for outstanding online programs, 2017-2018 by U.S. News & World Report.
  • UMass Boston’s online programs are ranked among the top 100 in the nation, 2018 by U.S. News & World Report
  • UMass Boston online graduate business programs (non-MBA) ranked 70th nationwide, 2018 by U.S News & World Report
  • UMass Boston online graduate education programs ranked 88th nationwide, 2018 by U.S News & World Report
  • UMass Boston online Bachelor's programs ranked 60th nationwide, 2018 by U.S News & World Report
  • University of Massachusetts Lowell’s B.S. in Information Technology Ranked Among Top Affordable Online IT Degrees by Get Educated in 2011
  • UMass Ranked Among Top 10 Best Colleges in Online Education in Communication & Public Relations Degrees, 2011 by The Best Colleges
  • UMass ranks 19th highest-rated university in the world by the Times of London.
  • UMass ranked 56th in the Times of London's Top 200
  • UMassOnline, UMass Boston President's Special Achievement Award, Valerie C. Haven, Sloan-C 2010 Awards
  • University of Massachusetts Ranked Among Top 28 Best Value in Online Education for Human Services & Psychology Professionals, 2009 by Get Educated
  • Ranked Top 10 Online Degrees Colleges- September 2009 (Online Degree Reviews.com)
  • 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
  • Excellence in Distance Teaching Education - United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Admissions: 

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 600 paper based / 250 computer based.

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

1.  Read application form instructions carefully and complete form. The department strongly recommends to APPLY ONLINE. Applicants are required to submit a resume or CV with their application.
Check application status at: http://www.umb.edu/admissions/grad/application_status

2. Candidates must supply two references, which indicate strong language skills and an ability to do academic work at the graduate level. If possible, references 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.
 

We are now accepting students two times per year, for both spring and fall. The deadline for Spring Admissions is October 1st and the deadline for Fall admissions is January 15th.

Financial Aid: 

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 https://studentaid.gov. It is important to list the University of Massachusetts Boston school code number 002222.
  2. For more information or if you have further questions, please contact Financial Aid Services at 617.287.6300 or at finaid@umb.edu

Contact:

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