Academic Department

Department of Linguistics

School of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences

Language is one of humanity's most remarkable abilities. At Montclair, we study language as a window into the mind, a cornerstone of society, and a driver of innovation. From language teaching and multilingualism to sign language, computational linguistics, and language engineering, our interdisciplinary programs prepare students to understand language and use that knowledge to make an impact in education, research, and technology.

: msudept-linguistics@montclair.edu
: 973-655-7500
: Schmitt Hall 222

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What is Linguistics?

Why is it so difficult to learn a second language as an adult? Why do languages change over time? How does the brain understand speech? Can computers understand human language? Linguistics is the scientific study of these questions and much more – we study language itself.

As part of Montclair State University's School of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, the Department of Linguistics prepares students to explore language from multiple perspectives, connecting cognitive science, education, technology, and communication sciences. Our programs equip students with analytical, research, and practical skills for careers in education, language technology, artificial intelligence, research, and beyond.

Linguists study language as a lens into the human mind, studying both spoken and signed languages, endangered languages, ancient languages, as well as how language interfaces with modern technology. The Linguistics Department offers a wide variety of both theoretical and applied courses at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, training students in the core questions about how language functions as well as how humans utilize language in a variety of contexts.

Our Programs

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Undergraduate Programs

An undergraduate degree in linguistics is solid preparation for students pursuing a wide variety of careers — from teaching ESL and speech-language pathology to work in technology focused on natural language processing.

Graduate Programs

MA in Applied Linguistics

The MA in Applied Linguistics prepares students for careers in a variety of professions where an understanding of language is essential.

Program Director: Larissa Goulart

MS in Computational Linguistics

The MS in Computational Linguistics draws on coursework from both Linguistics and Computer Science to prepare students for high-paying jobs in this growing field.

Program Director: Libby Barak

Computational Linguistics Certificate Program

The Computational Linguistics Certificate Program provides students with a basic education in the interdisciplinary field of computational linguistics, learning to develop tools that support the interface of the person with the computer.

Program Director: Libby Barak

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Teaching English as a Second Language, Instructional Certification: Teacher Certification in English as a Second Language (Preschool-Grade 12)

This program prepares candidates for additional New Jersey P-12 certification in Teaching English as a Second Language.

Program Director: Nick Williams

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Certificate Program

The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Certificate Program prepares students to teach English language skills abroad or to teach adults in the U.S. The entire program is designed to be completed in two semesters of full-time study.

Program Director: Nick Williams

MAT in Teaching English as a Second Language

Teacher certification in Teaching English as a Second Language is available as a part of the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program

Program Director: Nick Williams

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Student speaking with an attendee at a table during a busy event with crowds and information tables in the background.

Careers

Our alumni have gone on to careers in:

teaching English as a second language in the U.S. or as a foreign language abroad
directing college language programs
publishing, developing language resource materials
software development for applications in natural language processing
technical writing
translation (with strong background in another language)

The links below will give you more information on the careers that our graduates have pursued as well as give you ideas on other careers related to linguistics.

Linguistic Society of America Careers Page

Awards and Scholarships

The Alice F. Freed Prize in Language, Discourse, and Society

The “Alice F. Freed Prize in Language, Discourse, and Society” is an annual prize of $250 that recognizes one graduate student in Linguistics who completes the Master of Arts Degree Program in Applied Linguistics with outstanding work in the field of Sociolinguistics, Discourse Analysis, or Language and Culture. The prize will be awarded in May of each academic year. The full-time faculty of the Linguistics Department will select the recipient of the prize according to specific criteria.

Prize Criteria and Application