Applied Linguistics is the study of language with the goal of solving real-world problems. Our department offers a BA major, BA minor, Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), and an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other languages (MA TESOL).
Students recognize the PSU Applied Linguistics Department for its accessible faculty, supportive community, and collaborative environment.
The field of Applied Linguistics might be new to you, but you should consider it if you are intrigued by questions such as these:
- How do people create unity or sow division through their use of language?
- How can we teach well-intentioned people to be more effective with the language they use when interacting with people from different backgrounds?
- Why do some people try to "lose" their accents? Is it possible? Is it useful?
- How do you express your identity when you speak or write?
- Why do languages have so many different ways of expressing time or assigning gender?
- What is the connection between language and culture?
- Is there a best way to teach or learn a language?
- Why can reading in a new field feel like learning a new language even when it is in English?