Applied Language Studies Major

Students who major in the Applied Language Studies option will focus on the scientific study of the uniquely human phenomenon that is language and on the everyday concerns related to language use. Courses teach the structural organization of languages, the mental processes involved in language acquisition and use, the ways in which humans learn additional languages in and out of the classroom, and the interaction between language and society—to name just a few directions of linguistic inquiry.

The curriculum follows a pattern of increasing complexity and specialization, from the introduction to the field of linguistics, to the foundational courses in language acquisition and structure, to the specialized seminars in applied linguistics. The option culminates in the capstone course, in which students conduct a guided independent research project on a linguistic topic of their choice.

For specific information about requirements, including General Education, consult the Degree Curriculum Sheet linked at right for your curriculum year. For questions, please see an Applied Language Studies advisor.

Degree Requirements

If you are a new major this year, see the English Applied Language Studies curriculum for 2024-2025, which lists Major/Option courses and General Education requirements.

If you started the major in an earlier year, see the Curriculum requirements for the academic year you started the major.

Note: Majors are encouraged to pursue a minor of their choice to meet the Unrestricted Electives requirement. Minors in Spanish, Chinese, French, Psychology, Ethnic & Women’s Studies, Journalism, Anthropology, Computer Science, Public Relations, or Business may be particularly interesting and useful.