Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition
Prepare for a career in language education and research
The Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics & 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, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish.
Full-time and part-time enrollment options are available.
The program draws on strengths of the Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics (LCAL) at Carnegie Mellon University 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 US 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.
Program Objectives & Learning Outcomes
The ALSLA master's program offers a combination of intensive training in second language teaching and ample opportunities to engage in second language research.
Program at a glance:
- 90-unit program (one year full-time); can be completed part-time
- High-quality training in language and culture teaching
- Extensive research opportunities with award-winning faculty
- Multilingual and intercultural training in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish
- Varied course offerings in program administration, educational policy, and technology-enhanced language learning (TELL)
Students in the 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
View Curriculum
Certificate in TESOL
A Certificate in TESOL (Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages; not to be confused with TESOL certification) is a qualification commonly obtained to enhance teaching opportunities abroad.
Students concentrating in TESOL in the ALSLA master's program are eligible to receive a Certificate in TESOL.
Career Preparation
Graduates of the ALSLA 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 abroad. The program may also lead to further graduate work in second language studies.
Who Should Apply
- 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
- Those interested in careers in language program administration 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 Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition program will be considered for competitive LCAL scholarships. No additional scholarship application is required.