Applied Linguistics is a growing and vibrant discipline in universities nationally and internationally. It is an interdisciplinary field of research and instruction that provides theoretical and descriptive foundations for the empirical investigation and solution of language-related issues, especially those of language education (first-language, second-language, foreign-language and heritage-language teaching and learning), but also issues of bilingualism and biliteracy, language policy, language assessment, translation and interpretation, lexicography, rhetoric and composition. Students who demonstrate competence in these areas increase their opportunities for employment, as many job descriptions indicate a preference for candidates with an emphasis in applied linguistics or second language acquisition. Also, with the ever-increasing number of second language learners at the PreK-20 levels, it is essential for all teachers and educational researchers to have a fundamental understanding of language learning and teaching theories and practices. 

Alumni Testimonials

I am grateful for the opportunity that UCSB offers in obtaining an emphasis in applied linguistics because it provides a wide range of courses  focused on teaching second language and heritage speakers. This emphasis combines theoretical and practical knowledge that has helped me in my research and teaching. Being part of the applied linguistics emphasis has given me the opportunity to meet  other graduate students from different departments, attend colloquiums, see colleagues' work, present my own work and learn about current research from prestigious professors. 

~ Bernadette Ramírez, Ph.D. 2025

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This emphasis is a natural complement to an PhD in Education for students interested in Second Language Acquisition research. Courses in the Applied Linguistics emphasis were a valuable resource for improving my linguistic data analysis skills. The quarterly colloquiums are a good way to learn about the research of faculty and other graduate students at UCSB, as well as to network with researchers across disciplines. I found Dr. Bucholtz’s Language as Culture and Dr. Gries’s qualitative methods courses to be especially useful.

~ Jonathan Downey, PhD 2023

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Completing the emphasis in Applied Linguistics allowed me to take courses focusing on language learning and teaching theories and practices with dedicated and inspiring faculty. The Emphasis also offered me opportunities to connect and collaborate with graduate students and stay up-to-date in recent and future research and practices in the field of second language acquisition by attending colloquiums. The emphasis in Applied Linguistics has been an excellent addition to my Ph.D. in Hispanic Languages and Literatures and adds great value to my professional career.

~ Samanta de Frutos, Ph.D. 2023

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