• Applied linguists document languages and compile dictionaries.dictionary page image by CraterValley Photo from Fotolia.com
  
  Applied linguistics draws on theory and research in linguistics and related disciplines to solve practical problems involving language. A master's degree in this field can lead to a career in areas as diverse as education, government, law, medicine and computer technology. Applied linguists develop methodologies for teaching a first or second language, study language disorders, create public policy on literacy and bilingualism, and work on voice recognition technology.
  
  

Boston University (BU)

• Students pursuing a Master of Arts in applied linguistics at BU may specialize in neurolinguistics and language disorders, language acquisition and development, bilingualism and language teaching, language and literacy in the classroom, sign language, language structure and linguistic theory, or another area of their choice. They may work on applied projects in the community, collaborating with schools, hospitals and clinics. To apply for the program, student must have completed an introductory class in linguistics and two years of foreign language study.
  
  Program in Applied Linguistics
  Boston University
  96 Cummington St., Room 246
  Boston, MA 02215
  617-353-6197
  bu.edu
  
  

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

• The Master of Arts in applied linguistics and TESL (teaching English as a second language) at UCLA prepares students for a career in research. The program offers three primary areas of specialization: language acquisition, language assessment and discourse analysis. Students may also take elective courses in the pedagogy and theory of teaching English as a second language. Prerequisites include two semesters of a foreign language and three introductory linguistics courses in phonology, general phonetics and syntax.
  
  UCLA Applied Linguistics
  3300 Rolfe Hall, Box 951531
  Los Angeles, CA 90095-1531
  310-825-4631
  appling.ucla.edu
  
  

Georgetown University

• Georgetown University offers a Master of Science with concentrations in second language pedagogy and acquisition, bilingualism and bilingual education, language assessment, endangered languages, language policy and cognitive linguistics. Students have occasion to work with scientists from other universities in the Washington, D.C., area and have access to three linguistics laboratories to conduct research. Students must become proficient in a foreign language and are recommended to take an introductory course in linguistics if unfamiliar with the subject.
  
  Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
  Georgetown University
  Box 571005
  Intercultural Center, Suite 302
  3700 O St. NW
  Washington, DC 20057-1005
  202-687-5974
  grad.georgetown.edu
  
  

University of Alaska, Fairbanks (UAF)

• The Master of Arts in applied linguistics from UAF focuses on training language teachers to work in indigenous revitalization programs and researchers to document Alaska's endangered native languages. Applicants must have a 3.0 grade average on completion of their bachelor's degree, two years of a second language at the college level, and a demonstrated interest in the areas of applied linguistics served by the university.
  
  University of Alaska Fairbanks
  P.O. Box 757500
  Fairbanks, AK 99775
  907-474-7211
  uaf.edu
  
  

Georgia State University

• Graduates with a Master of Arts in applied linguistics have acquired the theory and knowledge required to pursue a career in language education or pursue doctoral work in applied linguistics, language-teaching, or language study. All candidates acquire language teaching experience in the Atlanta area, through volunteer opportunities in the United States or overseas, or through study abroad programs. They must also complete a foreign language study requirement.
  
  Department of Applied Linguistics & ESL
  Georgia State University
  P.O. Box 4099
  Atlanta, GA 30302-4099
  404-413-5200
  gsu.edu