Linguistics (Graduate Certificate)
Ever wonder how language works and why it matters? Complement your graduate study with a linguistics certificate. Prepare to apply linguistic knowledge in language education, multilingualism, sociolinguistics, language documentation and revitalization, policy, research and community engagement.
Quick facts
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Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Linguistics graduate certificate description
This interdisciplinary graduate certificate program in linguistics is designed to equip you with an understanding of language structure, acquisition and variation. You dive into the fascinating ways that languages change over time and across different contexts, including spoken, written and signed modalities. You develop critical, in-demand skills such as analytical reasoning, problem-solving and effective communication. Through coursework in areas including discourse analysis, pragmatics, phonology and syntax, you become adept at evaluating language in diverse settings --- skills that are highly sought after in today's globalized world. This certificate provides a robust foundation for you to improve your professional communication or deepen your expertise in language.
Why earn a linguistics graduate certificate at ASU?
Learn from faculty in linguistics, applied linguistics and teaching English to speakers of other languages, who hold leadership roles in major scholarly societies, journals and academic presses and whose research spans forensic linguistics, endangered language documentation and revitalization, phonetics, syntax, sociolinguistics, second language acquisition, language learning and language history. Because their work shapes both the classroom and opportunities for collaborative scholarship, professional networking and global engagement, you interact closely with scholars active in the field.
You can also pursue internationally focused research, conferences, internships and professional development experiences that extend your learning beyond the classroom and strengthen your preparation for a wide range of academic and professional pathways.
Additional details
The SparkLing Club at ASU fosters a collaborative community if you are interested in linguistics, language learning and education, offering networking, professional development, research collaboration and social engagement to support your academic and career goals.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
18 credit hours
Required Core Areas (9 credit hours) Electives (9 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students must have completed an introductory course in linguistics taken at the upper-division or graduate level. They should consult the certificate program director for advice. All certificate coursework must be completed with an average grade of "B" or higher (3.00 on a 4.00 scale).
discourse analysis and pragmatics (3)
phonology (3)
syntax (3)
The electives may be chosen from fields such as applied linguistics, educational linguistics, natural language processing, second language acquisition and sociolinguistics. The electives are determined by the student in consultation with a faculty advisor.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Graduates of the graduate certificate program in linguistics will be able to solve language-related problems.
- Graduates of the graduate certificate program in linguistics will be able to explain major subfields of linguistics.
- Graduates of this program will be able to apply logical argumentation to critique key concepts in linguistics, thereby demonstrating their knowledge of theories.
Graduates of the graduate certificate program in linguistics will be able to solve language-related problems.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information International students who need an F1 or J1 visa first need to apply to and be accepted into a graduate degree program before being considered for the certificate program. International students residing in the U.S. on other types of visas must adhere to all Graduate College policies and procedures regarding admission to be considered for admission to this certificate program. The one- to two-page, well-considered statement of purpose should detail the applicant's background and reasons for pursuing the linguistics certificate. To be considered for admission, an applicant must have taken an introductory course in linguistics at the upper-division or graduate level. Applicants must also show proof of a formal knowledge of a foreign language equivalent to two years of study at the university level, or plans to fulfill the language requirement concurrently with certificate courses. The language requirement may be met by completion of courses through the second-year level (four semesters) at ASU or elsewhere, or by completion of an upper-division language course with an average of "B" or better (scale is 4.00 = "A") for all such coursework (200- or 300-level), or through an examination that indicates placement above the 200 level. Language placement tests are available on the School of International Letters and Cultures website. If this requirement is not already fulfilled at the time of application, candidates must demonstrate completion of this requirement at the end of their certificate coursework for their certificate to be granted.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Students should visit the Department of English website for specific details about English proficiency requirements.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | Rolling* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | Rolling* |
*A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
Explore expanded study opportunities
Students can complete two graduate certificate programs and combine them into a Master of Advanced Study degree, giving ultimate flexibility to build their own master's degree. Interested students can learn more about MAS requirements and the admission process.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this linguistics graduate certificate prepares you for
A graduate certificate in linguistics is more than just a qualification --- it's a powerful tool for career advancement. The linguistics certificate offers an important dimension to various careers including:
- computer programmer
- data analyst
- foreign service worker
- language consultant or language documentation expert
- language program director or coordinator
- language teacher
- lexicographer
- materials designer and developer
- program and curriculum developer
- teacher trainer
- writer or editor
This certificate also provides an ideal stepping stone for those considering further studies in linguistics or related fields like education, technology or international relations.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Department of English
|
RBHL 170
enggrad@asu.edu
480-965-3168
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
