What Linguistics Program is Right for Me?

[acircleda@]

I have a BA in Anthropology (3.8 GPA) and an MSEd in TESOL (4.0 GPA). I didn't get into linguistics until I started teaching English overseas. I'm very much into morphology and phonetics, but I am really passionate about language acquisition and applied linguistics - the intersection between linguistics and education. I have some interests in computational linguistics (I have been learning programming lately) but would be more satisfied developing CALL and other edu apps than working with NLP . I have also recently been interested in cognitive science, especially cognitive representations of bilingualism. I also recently finished an experimental research project on corpus linguistics and data-driven learning, currently under review. To sum up, my interests are all over the place, which is not very good for deciding on a PhD program or beginning to apply to one.

 

I was hoping I could get some advice on here. As a career goal, I would be satisfied teaching and research at the university, but I want my work to have an impact on language learning (hence the applied focus). My ideal goal would be to develop technology that automatically uploads languages to the brain vis a vis some Matrixesque technology  .

 

I have been considering Indiana University's Linguistics Department and Second Language Studies Department.

I have also been considering Iowa State University's Applied Linguistics and Technology program.

I have also played around with the idea of getting a second Master's in computational linguistics from U. of Washington (via distance).

 

Any advice or suggestions or criticism would be great.

[hoviariel]

That is a lot... But it seems that you mostly are learning towards FLA/SLA/Applied. Morphology, Phonetics, and Comp Ling don't seem to be things that interest you in themselves but in terms of how they interact with SLA/Applied, and thankfully they tend to get subsumed in Applied linguistics because language education/acquisition would involve using computer aids and knowing morphemes

If I were you I'ld focus on finding a good Applied program that has a good psycho orientation or backup. And a lot of Applied programs provide courses (even if just one) on computer technology. But get rid of Washington because it's more NLP then Applied. 

http://www.linguisticsociety.org/programs

Feel free to use this directory to find other appropriate programs in Applied or Acquisition. It is super-useful

[acircleda@]

That is a lot... But it seems that you mostly are learning towards FLA/SLA/Applied. Morphology, Phonetics, and Comp Ling don't seem to be things that interest you in themselves but in terms of how they interact with SLA/Applied, and thankfully they tend to get subsumed in Applied linguistics because language education/acquisition would involve using computer aids and knowing morphemes

If I were you I'ld focus on finding a good Applied program that has a good psycho orientation or backup. And a lot of Applied programs provide courses (even if just one) on computer technology. But get rid of Washington because it's more NLP then Applied. 

http://www.linguisticsociety.org/programs

Feel free to use this directory to find other appropriate programs in Applied or Acquisition. It is super-useful

 

Thanks. I wasn't aware of the LSA website.

One thing that appeals to me about Indiana University is that they offer a joint PhD in Cognitive Science, and it is very multidisciplinary.

There are few things that worry me about focusing solely on applied linguistics. Namely, that they don't offer a strong enough focus in general linguistics, and some programs seem like glorified TESOL programs, which make me feel like I'll just end up teaching English for the rest of my life.

 

Again, thanks for the advice.

[hoviariel]

Yeah... Applied is often not found in linguistics departments but in Education or English departments. It depends on what your goals are though. If you're more aligned to language acquisition (and understanding it as a linguistic phenomenon) then linguistics departments are your niche, but if you're more into applying your knowledge in language teaching, well that is something not found in most linguistics departments.