The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Applied Linguistics prepares students to pursue advanced graduate study, teach in colleges, adult education programs, businesses, private schools and institutions in the U.S. or abroad, work with private businesses, and the language acquisition needs of second language learners. The Sociolinguistics track focuses on different aspects of language, used in various sociocultural contexts. Courses in dialect variation, discourse analysis, and language and culture prepare students to collect, analyze, and interpret language data—skills with important applications in academic research, industry, education, the criminal justice system, and community language studies.
Program Highlights
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The Sociolinguistic track of the MA Program in Applied Linguistics offers unique experience in: The study of language varieties (e.g., American English, African American English, Southern English, Tidewater area linguistic history, etc.) from social, sociocultural, and linguistics point of view; Style and stance; Discourse analysis; Forensic linguistics
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Interpreters and Translators
Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.
Speech-Language Pathologists
Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in English language and literature, including linguistics and comparative literature. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Adult Basic and Secondary Education and Literacy Teachers and Instructors
Teach or instruct out-of-school youths and adults in remedial education classes, preparatory classes for the General Educational Development test, literacy, or English as a Second Language. Teaching may or may not take place in a traditional educational institution.
Requirements
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Cost of Attendance
We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance.
Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
Assistantships
The Applied Linguistics graduate program offers a small number of assistantships to select students. Contact the Department of English for more information.
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