Masters in Applied Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition

The Master's in Applied Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition is a one-year, intensive program preparing U.S. and international students for a range of careers in language education and research, with opportunities to specialize in language learning research and teaching in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, and English as a Second Language (ESL).

The program draws on strengths of the Department of Modern Languages at Carnegie Mellon University in the areas of second language acquisition, language program administration, cultural studies, pedagogy, and technology-enhanced learning.

Graduates of the program will be eligible for employment in institutions of higher learning, in private schools or public (alternative certification) secondary schools, and in a multitude of settings in the US and abroad, especially in ESL. The MA in Applied Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition may also lead to further graduate work in second language studies.

The MA in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition may be completed in one full-time academic year or over up to 8 semesters of part-time enrollment. The program is open to undergraduates completing their four-year degree, as well as individuals interested in applied linguistics and second language acquisition research and developing their teaching skills in language, culture, and content. No teaching experience is required.

Join our virtual open house on October 24th & 25th, 2023!

Session 1 (1 pm ET)

Session 2 (7 pm ET)

The Department of Modern Languages at Carnegie Mellon University features award-winning teachers and internationally recognized researchers. Our research and teaching promotes language learning, deepens cultural understanding through literary and cultural studies, and highlights cutting-edge technology-enhanced learning. We offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in eight languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish) in areas such as literary and cultural studies, applied linguistics and second language acquisition (SLA), immersive technologies, and translation and localization.

Come experience the intellectual and personal enrichment that comes with learning new languages—Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish—and encountering the diverse cultures they represent!

The Department of Modern Languages features award-winning faculty who are devoted, engaging teachers and internationally recognized scholars. Our research and teaching foster language learning, deepen cultural understanding through literary and cultural studies and highlight cutting-edge technology-enhanced learning. With internships and study abroad, transformative engagement with local communities, and inspiring co-curricular activities, Modern Languages inspires and educates the next generation of global thinkers and innovators.

Unique Courses

49% of CMU students take a course in Modern Languages even though there is no university-wide language requirement (data from CMU, 2019).

8 Diverse Language Programs

We offer Arabic, Chinese, French & Francophone, German, Hispanic, Italian, Japanese, and Russian Studies.

Opportunities Abroad

Explore and engage through researching, studying, or teaching abroad.

We work together to forge intercultural connections.

The Department of Modern Languages features award-winning teachers and internationally recognized researchers. Our research and teaching promotes language learning, deepens cultural understanding through literary and cultural studies, and highlights cutting-edge technology-enhanced learning.