MA in Applied Linguistics

The MA in Applied Linguistics program in the Department of English specializes in real-world applications of linguistics. Applied linguistics focuses on the many ways that language plays a role in real life settings. The program is designed to allow students to gain competence in a wide range of applied linguistics topics including Corpus Linguistics, Language and Gender, Discourse Analysis, Second Language Acquisition, and Sociolinguistics. Students will gain proficiency in linguistic theories and methodologies and may develop a research focus in areas such as computer-mediated communication, politeness theory, intercultural communication, medical discourse, bilingualism, language policy, and language teaching and learning.

The MA Applied Linguistics program requires 33 hours of coursework or 30 hours of coursework + a 3-hour research thesis course. Many Applied Linguistics courses are taught online or in the evenings. Students are able to start the program in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters. In their final semester, students should work with their advisor to plan for their comprehensive MA exams. You can find the study guide for this exam in the links below.

MA Applied Linguistics Courses Include:

ENGL 7501: History of the English Language
ENGL 7508: Corpus Linguistics
ENGL 7510: Gender and Language
ENGL 7511: Survey of Linguistics
ENGL 7514: Sociolinguistics
ENGL 7515: Language and Literature
ENGL 7517: Studies in Discourse Analysis

Recent Course Offerings

Left to right: Corpus Linguistics; Morphology and Syntax; Empirical Methods for Applied Linguistic Research; Applied Theory of Linguistics: Multimodal Discourse)

The MA Applied Linguistics program is closely related to the MA TESOL program, and students majoring in either TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or Applied Linguistics often take courses in both areas. It is possible for students completing the Graduate Certificate in TESOL to go on to the MA in Applied Linguistics.

Graduate students in Applied Linguistics have presented papers at professional conferences such as The Southeastern Conference on Linguistics, NWAVE, Tennessee TESOL, American Association of Applied Linguistics, International TESOL, The (International) Sociolinguistics Symposium, International Symposium on (Im)politeness, and the International Pragmatics Association. They have also taken advantage of the many opportunities to teach English as a Second or Foreign Language in the U.S. and abroad. Many students pursuing the MA in Applied Linguistics go on to earn a PhD in the field.

Learn More:
How to Apply to the Program

MA Applied Linguistics Comprehensive Exam Study Guide

MA in TESOL
Graduate Certificate in TESOL
Graduate Catalog- English (MA)

Applied Linguistics Faculty Bookshelf

(Left to right: The PhD Parenthood Trap by Leah Windsor; Learning a Language with Peers by Rebecca Adams; Diversifying Family Language Policy by Lyn Wright)

Applied Linguistics Coordinator:
Dr. Rebecca Adams
901.678.4892
radams4@memphis.edu

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