Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics
We offer a 36-point Masters of Arts degree for students wishing to pursue research in applied linguistics. Through comprehensive and innovative coursework, hands-on experiences in our on-campus language school, and research projects, you’ll explore the theoretical and practical applications of applied linguistics.
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 terms.
Master of Arts
- Points/Credits: 36
- Entry Terms: Fall
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Campus-Based
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term Available | Priority Deadlines | Final Deadlines | Extended Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Summer | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fall | January 15, 2025 | April 1, 2025 | June 1, 2025 |
Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines, such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.
Application Requirements
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume | |
| Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed | |
| Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable) | |
| $75 Application Fee | |
| Two (2) Letters of Recommendation | |
| Video essay required (included in online application) | |
| English Proficiency exam required for all non-native English speakers, see program website for acceptable exams and score minimums |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact AHadmission@tc.columbia.edu.
Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2024-2025)
Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 terms.
The Applied Linguistics track offers a 36-point Master of Arts degree for students wishing to pursue research and other non-teaching pathways in applied linguistics. Through comprehensive and innovative coursework, hands-on experiences in our on-campus language school, and research projects, students will explore the theoretical and practical applications of applied linguistics, for example, as it relates to technology. Students earning the Master of Arts degree have five types of requirements: (1) general courses, (2) track-specific courses, (3) elective courses within AL and TESOL, (4) out-of-program breadth courses, and (5) an exit project.
All course decisions must be made in consultation with the student's assigned faculty advisor. Students should choose elective and breadth courses that align with their careers. Below are the track descriptions for the MA in Applied Linguistics.
General Courses (15 points):
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A&HL 4000: Educational Linguistics (3)
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A&HL 4085: Pedagogical English grammar (3)
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A&HL 4087: Introduction to second language acquisition (3)
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A&HL 4088: Second language assessment (3)
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One language use course from the list below (for AL and TESOL General only):
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A&HL 4001: Sociolinguistics and education (3)
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A&HL 4090: Introduction to Corpus Linguistics (3)
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A&HL 4104: Discourse analysis (3)
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A&HL 4105: Conversation analysis (3)
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A&HL 4106: Text and textuality (3)
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A&HL 5020: Interactional sociolinguistics (3)
Track-Specific Courses for the MA in AL (9 points):
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A&HL 4077: TESOL classroom practices (3)
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A&HL 5301: Practicum I: Integrated skills (3)
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A&HL 5575: Research literacy in applied linguistics and TESOL (3)
Elective Courses (6 points):
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Elective courses in Applied Linguistics and TESOL (6 points):
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A&HL 4101: Phonetics and phonology (3)
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A&HL 5085: Advanced syntax (3)
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A&HL 4001: Sociolinguistics and education (3)
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A&HL 4104: Discourse analysis (3)
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A&HL 4105: Conversation analysis (3)
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A&HL 4106: Text and textuality (3)
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A&HL 5020: Interactional sociolinguistics (3)
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A&HL 5105: Classroom discourse (3)
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A&HL 5106: Language socialization (3)
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A&HL 6031: Advanced conversation analysis (3)
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A&HL 4089: Teaching writing to ESL students (3)
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A&HL 4090: Introduction to Corpus Linguistics (3)
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A&HL 5011: Technology-based language teaching and material design (3)
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A&HL 6097: Task-based language teaching (3)
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A&HL 5008: Interlanguage analysis (3)
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A&HL 5087: SLA in the classroom (3)
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A&HL 6087: Advanced second language acquisition (3)
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A&HL 5090: Computational Linguistics for Applied Linguists (3)
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A&HL 5512: Historical perspectives on language testing research (3)
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A&HL 5519: Instructed second language acquisition and assessment (3)
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A&HL 6000: Second language test validation (3)
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A&HL 6040: Classroom-based language assessment (3)
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A&HL 6060: Generalizability theory for second language assessment research (3)
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A&HL 6089: Second language performance assessment (3)
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Courses can be taken at an affiliate campus in the Columbia community with advisor’s approval.
Breadth Out-of-Program Courses (6 points):
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Breadth courses are Teachers College classes offered outside of the AL/TESOL Program. Note that all breadth courses must be approved by your advisor.
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Exit Project:
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In addition to course requirements, students must complete a master’s degree project written on a research topic arising from course-related interests and subject to approval by an advisor (The advisor can be different from or the same as your assigned academic advisor). This project can be a review of literature on a scholarly topic or a practice-motivated review of the literature. It is normally completed at the beginning of the last semester of study. For more information, click here.
Students can normally expect to complete the M.A. in Applied Linguistics or TESOL in four semesters (i.e., two years).