Applied Linguistics is a growing and vibrant field 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, and language endangerment and revitalization. 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. Moreover, with the ever-increasing number of second language learners in the United States and around the world, as well as with the growing concern with the situation of speakers of minority languages and dialects, it is essential for all linguists to have a fundamental understanding of the theories and practices of applied linguistics. For more information, see the General Catalog.
