Applied Linguistics - MA

Degree Title and Name: Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics

Program Name and Number: Applied Linguistics – MA5291

Department/Unit: Department of Linguistics

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus

Term(s) of Entry: Fall, Spring, Summer (funding only available for fall entry)

Program Overview: The Master of Arts degree in applied Linguistics offers a strong theoretical foundation as well as practical training in teaching of English and other languages to second and foreign language learners and prepares students for doctoral studies and professional careers in related disciplines. The completion of the degree normally takes 2 years (four consecutive semesters without counting summer sessions).

Program Learning Outcomes: By completing the requirements of the program successfully, students will

Understand phonological, morphological, syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic properties of English and other languages.
Understand how language functions in society, the ideology that drives language choice in multilingual situations, the connection between language variation and social factors, and the relationship between languages and academic outcomes.
Articulate the major theories, hypotheses, principles, and research findings in the field of second language acquisition.
Create and develop language assessment tools on the basis of a solid understanding of core concepts in language assessment.
Understand how to integrate innovative computer assisted language learning (CALL) materials and practices.
Evaluate and employ the methodological options available to teachers of English and other language to non-native speakers and develop teaching materials appropriate to a particular teaching context.
Plan, prepare, and execute lessons in detail and integrate them into learning units by synthesizing the knowledge and skills acquired in prior courses and critically evaluate their own and each other’s teaching practices.

Opportunities for Graduates: A majority of our M.A. graduates find language teaching positions at the university level in the U.S. and abroad while others find administrative positions in government and academia and work closely with international students. Approximately one-fourth to one-third of our graduates pursue doctoral degrees at some point in their careers in disciplines such as applied linguistics, speech pathology, instructional technology and international education.

Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/cas/linguistics/#_

Graduation Requirements: Students must complete (a) 47 credits in the following required LING courses with a minimum of B grade in each course and an overall GPA of 3.0, and (b) foreign-language study equivalent to two years of college. A comprehensive examination is not required. A thesis is optional.

Core courses:

LING 5510 - Computers in Language Teaching I
LING 5760 - Second Language Acquisition Research and Theory
LING 5800 - Methods and Materials in TEFL
LING 5870 - Research Methods in Applied Linguistics
LING 5920 - Language Teaching Practicum or LING 5921 CALL Teaching Practicum
LING 6610 - Phonological Structure of English
LING 6710 - Grammar in Use
LING 6850 - Introduction to the Teaching of Second Language Reading and Writing
LING 6970 - Professional Portfolio Seminar

Electives (Choose 4):

LING 5600 - Introduction to Phonetics
LING 5520 - Computers in Language Learning II
LING 5701 - Grammar and Syntax
LING 5780 - Introduction to Psycholinguistics
LING 5820 - Introduction to English for Specific Purposes
LING 5830 - Assessing Language Abilities
LING 5860 - Semantics and Pragmatics
LING 5901 - Sociolinguistics and Bilingualism

Culminating Experience: As a culminating experience, students’ overall learning in the M.A. in Applied Linguistics program will be assessed by using the e-Portfolio, which is developed in LING 6970 - Professional Portfolio Seminar. Among other requirements of the portfolio, students will produce a significant piece of independent writing and make a formal presentation in front of the departmental audience on a topic that summarizes the fruit of their study in the M.A. program.

Admission Requirements: A bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, a statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation are required. Applicants interested in a TA position in the teaching practicum (English For All), the English Language Improvement Program (ELIP), undergraduate linguistics courses, and foreign language programs (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and Swahili) should submit a teaching philosophy statement. An additional recommendation from a person in a supervisory position in their previous teaching job is helpful. These requirements apply to dual degree applicants as well. GRE scores are not required.

International Students: A TOEFL-iBT score of 100 or higher or an IELTS score of 7.0 (with minimum 6.5 in each band) or higher for non-native English speakers is required. This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.