Applied Linguistics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Applied Linguistics is a dynamic field dedicated to understanding how language functions in real-world contexts and how it can be effectively taught, assessed, and integrated across diverse social and educational environments. This program equips students with advanced analytical and practical skills to address complex language-related challenges in education, policy, and cross-cultural communication.
- Linguistic theory: Explores the foundational principles of language structure, including phonology, syntax, semantics, and morphology, providing a scientific basis for understanding language systems.
- Language teaching and learning: Investigates pedagogical approaches, curriculum design, and learner-centered strategies for teaching first and additional languages across different age groups and settings.
- Discourse analysis: Focuses on how language is used in extended texts and conversations to convey meaning, build relationships, and construct social realities in various contexts.
- Language and cognition: Examines the mental processes involved in language acquisition, comprehension, and production, including the interplay between language and thought.
- Language, culture, and identity: Analyzes how language shapes and reflects cultural values, social identities, and power dynamics within multilingual and multicultural societies.
- Language assessment: Develops expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating language proficiency tests and diagnostic tools for educational and professional purposes.
- Language policy and planning: Addresses the development and implementation of institutional and national strategies for language use, preservation, and education in multilingual communities.
- Literacy development: Studies the processes of reading and writing acquisition across languages and contexts, with an emphasis on promoting equitable access to literacy skills.
Applied Linguistics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Applied Linguistics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Applied Linguistics degrees, including Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary and Interpreters and Translators. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 74,530 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1124 | $77,010 | $47,090 - $134,960 | 21,170 | N/A |
| Interpreters and Translators 27-3091 | $59,440 | $35,630 - $99,830 | 53,360 | $28.58 |
Applied Linguistics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $45,060 in Louisiana to $89,920 in California—a 100% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New York, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 74,530 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Applied Linguistics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 26 institutions offering Applied Linguistics programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Applied Linguistics is found at University of Massachusetts, Boston (44 graduates), Texas A & M University, Commerce (28 graduates), New Mexico State University (NMSU), Main Campus (16 graduates), Ohio University (OHIO), Main Campus (16 graduates), and University of California (UCSC), Santa Cruz (15 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 197 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
44 | Boston, Massachusetts | Public | umb.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
28 | Commerce, Texas | Public | tamuc.edu |
| New Mexico State University (NMSU) |
Bachelor's
|
16 | Las Cruces, New Mexico | Public | nmsu.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
16 | Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| University of California (UCSC) |
Bachelor's
|
15 | Santa Cruz, California | Public | ucsc.edu |
| West Virginia University (WVU) |
Master's
|
14 | Morgantown, West Virginia | Public | wvu.edu |
| Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
12 | Fort Wayne, Indiana | Public | pfw.edu |
| University of Oregon (UO) |
Master's
|
10 | Eugene, Oregon | Public | uoregon.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
Master's
|
5 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | cmu.edu |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Champaign, Illinois | Public | illinois.edu |
| Ashford University (UAGC) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | San Diego, California | Private | uagc.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | ccac.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| University of Idaho (U of I) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Moscow, Idaho | Public | uidaho.edu |
| Plymouth State University (PSU) |
Master's
|
2 | Plymouth, New Hampshire | Public | plymouth.edu |
| Mid-Atlantic Christian University (MACU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Elizabeth City, North Carolina | Private | macuniversity.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAA) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Anchorage, Alaska | Public | uaa.alaska.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Wichita, Kansas | Public | wichita.edu |
| Lubbock Christian University (LCU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Lubbock, Texas | Private | lcu.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) |
Master's
|
1 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | uwm.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) |
Other Award
|
1 | Stevens Point, Wisconsin | Public | uwsp.edu |
| St Charles Community College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Cottleville, Missouri | Public | stchas.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Applied Linguistics programs
How much can I earn with a Applied Linguistics degree?
Salaries for Applied Linguistics graduates vary by role and location. Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $77,010 annually, while Interpreters and Translators earn around $59,440. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $89,920 compared to $45,060 in Louisiana. Approximately 74,530 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Applied Linguistics programs?
Currently 26 accredited institutions offer Applied Linguistics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Massachusetts, Boston (44 graduates), Texas A & M University, Commerce (28 graduates), and New Mexico State University (NMSU), Main Campus (16 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Applied Linguistics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 18 in 2010 to 197 in 2023-24. This represents a 994% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Applied Linguistics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary, Interpreters and Translators, . Related occupations employ approximately 74,530 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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