Program Overview
Students can pursue the certificate independently or alongside a master's degree, and can choose from a range of electives to specialize in areas such as applied linguistics, educational linguistics, and sociolinguistics. The program is taught by renowned language experts and prepares graduates for careers in fields such as computer programming, data analysis, foreign service, and language teaching.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
This 18-credit hour interdisciplinary course aims to broaden your theoretical and practical knowledge in linguistics while working alongside renowned language experts. You can pursue this certificate alongside a master's degree or independently for professional advancement. The focus lies on understanding language structure, acquisition, variation, and context through core courses in discourse analysis and pragmatics, phonology, and syntax. You are encouraged to further refine your expertise through nine elective credits in various specialized fields like applied linguistics, educational linguistics, natural language processing, second language acquisition, and sociolinguistics.
Objectives
- Enhance analytical abilities, critical thinking, and effective communication.
- Develop problem-solving skills through practical application of linguistic theories.
- Become an efficient critic and communicator (written and spoken) through discourse analysis and pragmatics expertise.
Description
- 9-credit core coursework focusing on language structure, acquisition, and variation.
- Elective options in diverse areas for specialization and tailored learning.
- Designed for individual learning or concurrent pursuit alongside a master's degree.
Outline
Required Core Areas (9 credit hours)
- Discourse Analysis and Pragmatics (3 credits): Explore theories and methods in studying language use in social context and meaning-making.
- Phonology (3 credits): Investigate the sound systems of various languages and their organizational principles.
- Syntax (3 credits): Discover the rules governing sentence formation and their variations.
Electives (9 credit hours)
- This area offers flexibility and personalization to your studies in specific areas like:
- Applied Linguistics
- Educational Linguistics
- Natural Language Processing
- Second Language Acquisition
- Sociolinguistics
Assessment
- All coursework must be completed with a minimum average grade of "B" (3.00 on a 4.00 scale).
Teaching
- Instruction conducted by world-renowned language experts bringing their experience and research to the classroom.
Careers
- Completion of this certificate serves as a valuable asset towards diverse career paths, aiding your advancement or preparing you for further education in linguistics.
- Potential career choices include:
- Computer Programmer
- Data Analyst
- Foreign Service Worker
- Language Consultant/Documentation Expert
- Language Program Director/Coordinator
- Language Teacher
- Lexicographer
- Materials Designer and Developer
- Program and Curriculum Developer
- Teacher Trainer
- Writer/Editor
Other
- To be considered for admission, an applicant must have completed an introductory course in linguistics or its equivalent, at the upper-division or graduate level.
- Proof of foreign language knowledge at a specific level is also required for admission. This can be demonstrated through past coursework in upper-division language classes, examinations indicating language placement at higher levels, or the completion of language requirements during the certificate program itself.
