The Linguistics and Applied Linguistics | TESOL program area at Arizona State University advances the study and practice of language, language learning, and language teaching as forces for inclusion, connection, and social transformation. We prepare students to thrive as teachers, researchers, and professionals who work with language in a variety of ways, engaging locally in Arizona and around the world to promote educational and social well-being.
The Bachelor of Arts in English (linguistics) is offered in-person and provides a holistic view of the history and inner workings of the English language. An undergraduate minor in linguistics is also available. The Master of Arts in linguistics and applied linguistics is offered in-person and gives ambitious students an opportunity to further delve into specific linguistic interests. Graduate students in other disciplines may also add a graduate certificate in linguistics offered by the program. Finally, the PhD in linguistics and applied linguistics is offered in-person and enables yet further specialization and research in an area of student interest and faculty strength.
Our TESOL program, one of the oldest and most respected in the country, prepares students for future careers in the international field of teaching English as a second/additional language. In-person programs include a master’s in TESOL, an undergraduate TESOL certificate, and a graduate CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning) certificate.
We also offer a master’s in TESOL completely online, ideal for working professionals or those seeking to explore a new career.
Please contact Program Manager, LaMonte Key, with questions regarding the Linguistics and Applied Linguistics Program Area. For questions related to a specific program, please contact the appropriate undergraduate advisor or graduate advisor.
View our core faculty.
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Degree Programs
Bachelor of Arts in English (Linguistics)
Master of Arts in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MTESOL)
PhD in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Minors and Certificates
English (Linguistics) (Minor)
Graduate Certificate in Linguistics
Graduate Certificate in Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL)
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate
Cross-Area Programs
English, BA
Culture, Technology and Environment, BA
English, MA
English (Minor)
The Linguistics and Applied Linguistics | TESOL program area at Arizona State University advances the study and practice of language, language learning, and language teaching as forces for inclusion, connection, and social transformation. In alignment with ASU’s charter, we measure our success not by whom we exclude, but by whom we include and how they succeed.
Our degree-granting programs prepare students for meaningful careers that connect language to education, research, technology, and community engagement. We foster professional readiness through internships, outreach, and partnerships that link academic learning with practice, and we take responsibility for educating the public about language and its vital role in society.
Our program area embraces ASU’s design aspirations by leveraging our place in Arizona’s rich linguistic and cultural landscape and engaging globally with multilingual communities. We create knowledge that transcends disciplines, connecting theory with practice to transform society through language education, digital innovation, and social inclusion. We pursue use-inspired research and teaching that foster student success and career preparation through community partnerships and applied professional experience. Through social embeddedness, we collaborate with Indigenous nations, immigrant and refugee organizations, and global partners to promote linguistic, educational, and social well-being. We value entrepreneurship by developing innovative approaches to language learning and teaching, and we practice principled innovation by grounding our work in character, inclusion, and the public good.
In this way, our program area models ASU’s commitment to inclusion, innovation, and impact, shaping a vibrant, interdisciplinary, and internationally recognized community where the study and practice of language, language learning, and language teaching help build a more just, connected, and sustainable world.
This mission statement will remain in effect through the end of the 2025–26 academic year, at which time it will be reviewed and revised as needed to reflect our evolving commitments, community partnerships, and institutional context.