Undergraduate Program

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Applied Linguistics and English as a Second Language is to pursue excellence in research and teaching in Applied Linguistics: the application of theoretical perspectives on language and communication to the solution of real-world problems. Faculty research focuses on three broad areas and the interconnections between these areas: (1) Language and Literacy Learning and Teaching, (2) Language Analysis and Use, and (3) Applied and Critical Perspectives on Language, Culture, and Society. At the doctoral level, we prepare students to conduct empirical applied linguistics research and to take on leadership positions in the field of applied linguistics. At the MA level, we prepare students for positions in language teaching, curriculum development, program administration, and related careers. At the undergraduate level, we provide applied linguistics majors a thorough grounding in the study of language and prepare them for a variety of career options or further study in fields in which the scientific investigation of language is significant. In addition to our degree programs, the department serves the university and the greater Atlanta community by providing exemplary academic English language instruction to both matriculated and non-matriculated students. Reflecting the goals of the wider university, the department seeks to provide a range of activities which prepare students to think critically, make ethical and informed choices, appreciate diverse cultures and ideas, become creative problem-solvers, and demonstrate responsible citizenship.

BA

The mission of the B.A. in Applied Linguistics is to provide a thorough grounding in the study of language analysis, use, and acquisition to prepare students for a variety of options for employment or further study in fields in which the scientific study of language is significant, e.g: anthropology, speech and hearing science, psychology, cognitive science,  foreign language teaching (including English as a second/foreign language), lexicography, and text and discourse analysis.

MA

The Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics integrates the study of linguistic theory with practical applications and focuses on the language acquisition needs of the adult or near-adult learner of an additional language. Students receive the theoretical and practical foundational knowledge needed to teach language at the postsecondary level and to progress to doctoral work in applied linguistics or other language-study or language-teaching related areas.