Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics

Articulate your success with your Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics from Ashford University.

Degree Focus
The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics prepares you to address such issues as: how language can best be learned and taught, social factors that affect language learners, and how technology can contribute to effective language learning. Discover the structure of language and how it is learned. Explore language-related social issues and how they impact policy.

Career Opportunities
Just a few of the many professional careers that often begin with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics include:

•  Teacher of English to speakers of other languages 
•  Speech therapy 
•  Audiology 
•  Translation and interpretation (with knowledge of a second language) 
•  Marketing and advertising 
•  Journalism

Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics

Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics degree program will be able to: 

•  Analyze the overall theories and purposes of linguistic study and research; 
•  Assess how language is learned; 
•  Evaluate the use of technology in teaching and learning languages; 
•  Recount the history and evolution of the English language; 
•  Apply linguistic concepts such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics; 
•  Interpret the policy issues and sociological aspects of applied linguistics; and 
•  Develop a capstone research paper exemplifying advanced research skills in a selected area, and create a plan for the student’s continuing study and career options.

Program Requirements

•  Total number of credits required: 120 credits 
•  General Education Requirements: 52 credits* 
•  Major Course Requirements: 42 credits* 
•  Electives: 29 credits

You must complete 30 upper-division credits, of which 18 credits must be from the major program. A total of 30 credits must be completed at Ashford University to meet the residency requirement..

*In this program, 3 credits from the major may also satisfy General Education requirements.

Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information at this link: Program Disclosures.

Admission Requirements

• Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies. 
• Be 22 years of age or older, or a graduate of Ashford University's Associate of Arts in Business degree program, or receive documented approval from the Registrar's Office via the "Under 22 Appeal" process. 
• English Language Requirement. 
• Successful completion of Student Success Orientation for students who indicate that they have fewer than twenty-four (24) traditional college-level transferable credits at the time of application.

Technology Requirements


Competencies

Students must possess the following online competencies:

•  Ability to access course and program material on the Internet; 
•  Ability to correspond with University staff, students, and faculty using email and the Internet; and 
•  Ability to use appropriate antivirus utilities so that files transmitted and received are virus free.

System requirements

The following minimum system configuration and software are required:

•  Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or higher or Windows XP or higher; 
•  Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space; 
•  Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2003 or higher; Adobe Reader 8.0 or higher; Adobe Flash 10 or higher (Constellation users); 
•  Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 4.0 or higher, or Chrome; 
•  Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or Cable modem; 
•  Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail.

Recommended for optimal performance

•  Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher; 
•  Networking: Broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or other); 
•  Constellation users: Windows Media Player 7 or higher, sound card and speakers.

Transferability
Put your college credits to work at Ashford! You can transfer up to 90 semester credits (135 quarter credits) to help fulfill your degree requirements.* That means all your past hard work will not be wasted.

If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete an online orientation prior to enrolling in credit-bearing coursework. Following successful completion of orientation, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education as your first course. EXP 105 is required if you have little or no previous college experience and is not recommended if you have high transfer credit. EXP 105 applies toward elective credit requirements so enrollment in EXP 105 may result in the reduction of three (3) potential transfer credits in the Elective category. If you take EXP 105, you are required to take PSY 202 as your second course.

If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment as your first course. PSY 202 is designed to help you acclimate to the online college environment, though you already have some college experience. If you have been out of school for a long time or feel that you need additional support to enter the online environment, you may appeal to enroll in EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. Unsuccessful completion of either EXP 105 or PSY 202 will result in the rescheduling of the course and revision of the future course sequence. See the Courses tab for descriptions of each course.

* The transferability of credits is subject to Ashford University’s transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.

Online Format
You will take your courses one at a time for 5 weeks each, accelerating your path to graduation. Your course content is delivered in a high-tech format, and you can complete your weekly assignments when and where it's convenient for you thanks to the asynchronous online environment.

Cost*
Your tuition rates are among the lowest available online at $402 per credit. You will also be responsible for fees to enroll. View complete cost of attendance. Call today to learn more at 866.711.1700.

* Tuition costs subject to change without notice.

Payment Options

• Cash Plan – 100% of tuition and fees paid on or before each course start date. 
• Tuition Reimbursement – If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, we'll work with you to apply this great benefit toward your education. 
• Financial Aid – You may be eligible for financial aid. Talk to an Admissions Counselor to find out if you meet the requirements to qualify. 
• Direct (Employer) Billing – If you work for a company approved for direct billing, you may qualify for this payment option. 
• Military Tuition Assistance – Includes active-duty service and Veterans Affairs Benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab, if you qualify. Learn more about military benefits.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics

Articulate your success with your Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics. Your online coursework covers both the theory and the practical applications of linguistics. Subjects include the sounds, structure, and meaning of language.

Introductory Courses

Depending on the number of credits transferred in, you may be required to take one or both of Ashford University's introductory courses: EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education and PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment. If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 as your first course.

EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.

PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.

Major Course Requirements

(42 credits, all courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)

ENG 321 Introductory Linguistics
This course provides students with an introduction to the principles and methods of linguistic theory. Basic concepts included are phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. The developmental stages of language acquisition and the variations of dialect and style observed in spoken and written English are also examined. Students practice applying linguistic theory to explain language-related phenomena encountered in everyday life.

LNG 206 Language & Technology
This course provides an introduction to the various ways language and technology interact. Students will understand the importance of computers that can process spoken and written language, and be introduced to a variety of implementations of these emerging technologies.

LNG 212 Second Language Acquisition
This course will provide students an opportunity to investigate the process of acquiring a second language and to compare this process to learning in general. Students will also explore the basic theories of second language acquisition compared to first language acquisition and will discuss how these theories influence second language curriculum design and guide second language instructional methods.

LNG 222 Survey of Communicative Disorders
This course provides an introduction to the field of speech and language pathology. Students will survey a variety of communicative disorders and their effect on language development as compared to clinically normal growth and development of speech and language. Students will also consider the effect of these disorders on various levels of society.

LNG 310 Sounds of Language
In this course, students begin to answer the questions: how do we speak, why do different languages sound distinct, and how does sound encode and convey meaning? Students will examine sounds and sound systems of languages by exploring the phonetic properties of language as well as various phonological systems that languages employ to organize these speech sounds into meaningful utterances. Students will also study selected applications of these theories.

LNG 320 Structures of Language
This course provides students an opportunity to explore the linguistic theories of morphology and syntax. Students will examine structure within language by describing and investigating the underlying principles and processes of word formation as well as the rules which govern phrase and sentence structure. Basic concepts addressed include morpheme-based morphology and a generative grammar approach to syntax. Students will also study selected applications of these theories.

LNG 415 Meaning in Language
This course provides an introduction to the theory of meaning in language. Students will consider how language relates to the physical world, and how it contains and conveys truth, falsehood, and meaning. Students will also consider how various contexts factor into determining meaning, and will study selected applications of these theories.

ENG 325 Intermediate Composition
Intermediate Composition is designed for students who have some experience with college-level writing but want to develop their ability to write. The goal of this course is to help students learn techniques for writing effective narrative, reflective, analytical, and research essays. These techniques include the effective use of specific details to engage and persuade readers, methods of organization that enable readers to follow a line of thinking, and strategies for editing sentences for clarity and conciseness.

LNG 353 Evolution of the English Language
Where did English come from, how has it evolved into the language that is used today, and why does American English behave differently than, for example, the English spoken in Ireland? Also, in what ways are different languages distinct, and how are they similar? Students will explore these topics in this course via a consideration of the methods of historical linguistics with English as a case study. Topics in linguistic typology will also be addressed.

LNG 360 Language & Society
An introduction to language in its social context. In this course, students will explore how language embodies culture, and how society is impacted by language. Topics include linguistic variation in diverse social contexts; language and gender; language and ethnicity; language and socioeconomic class; and the language of law, politics, propaganda, and advertising.

LNG 450 Computational Linguistics
This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of natural language processing and computational linguistics. Students will study basic elements of computer programming from a computational linguistics perspective and will apply these methods to solving selected problems representative of those encountered in the field.

ELL 355 Methods, Materials, & Technology for Learning a Second Language
Strategies for teaching English Language Learners in the content areas while maintaining a language development focus will be illustrated. Specific strategies, materials, technology, and learning activities will be examined to support learning.

LNG 455 Language Development Disorders
This course will encompass a study of the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of selected language development disorders from a clinical perspective. In an online classroom setting, students will investigate the causes and characteristics of specific language disorders, as well as the current methods of clinical assessment and treatments. Using transcribed and recorded speech samples, students will simulate the clinical processes of diagnosis and treatment by applying these methods. Throughout the course, students will consider the professional conduct and ethical guidelines set for by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This course does not result in licensure or certification of any kind.

LNG 497 Applied Linguistics Capstone
This course will provide students an opportunity to conduct research into a theoretical area of linguistics and its application to assist in creating a plan for future study and professional development. Students will select a topic of interest and research its current and potential applications to one or various areas of industry. Students will demonstrate an understanding of how key linguistic theories have allowed for progress within certain industries and identify opportunities that are still present in the field of applied linguistics.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Chat With a Counselor

With your full schedule, you may not have a lot of time to spare. Whether you are a busy parent, a working adult, or just short on time, you can still get the information you need to explore your options for higher education. Now you can take advantage of Ashford University's LiveChat function to speak with an Admissions Counselor in real time from the comfort of your desktop. In just a few minutes, you can: discover Ashford's affordable tuition rates; find out how to earn your Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's degree in less time than you think; see how conveniently online courses can fit with your schedule; choose the degree program that's right for you; and have all your questions answered quickly Make an informed decision regarding your education. Click the link above to speak live with an Admissions Counselor right away, or have an Admissions Counselor call you at the time that works best for you. * Admissions Counselors are available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, PST and Saturday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, PST.