College of Arts & Sciences
Department of Linguistics
Department of Linguistics

Applied Linguistics

Applied Linguistics is the scientific study of second language learning, language teaching, and language use across the educational, social, professional, and policy contexts in which people encounter and use additional languages. It is a vibrant and interdisciplinary field that draws on linguistics, psychology, education, and the social sciences to investigate how additional languages are learned, how instruction can support language development, and how language-related practices and policies affect individuals and communities. 

Applied Linguistics faculty and students at Georgetown conduct theoretically informed and methodologically rigorous research on second language acquisition and pedagogy; cognitive and social dimensions of language learning; input, interaction, and corrective feedback; task-based language teaching; instructed language learning; second language assessment; research methodology; language teacher education; language learning and technology, bi/multilingualism; L2 policy; program evaluation; and L2 discourse, among others. 

Graduate Programs 

The Applied Linguistics concentration offers both Ph.D. and Master of Science (M.S.) degrees in Applied Linguistics. We also welcome undergraduate honor thesis writers on topics in applied linguistics.  

The M.S. in Applied Linguistics allows students to develop expertise in second language learning, teaching, and assessment while gaining a strong foundation in research methods and linguistic analysis. The program is well suited to students interested in language education, language program administration, assessment, research, doctoral study, language learning technology, and other careers involving multilingual learners and communities. 

The Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics prepares students to conduct original research that advances knowledge about language learning, teaching, and use. Doctoral students receive broad preparation in applied linguistics and research methodology while developing specialized expertise through close collaboration with faculty mentors. 

At Georgetown, Applied Linguistics graduate students benefit from: 

Doctoral Applicants 

While all faculty in the Department are available to serve on dissertation committees, only tenured and tenure-line faculty—Lara Bryfonski, Alison Mackey, and Lourdes Ortega—can serve as doctoral advisors and dissertation chairs in Applied Linguistics. Note that Professor and Vice President for Graduate Studies Alison Mackey will not advise new Ph.D. students until Fall 2029. Prospective doctoral applicants are encouraged to review faculty research profiles carefully and identify potential advisors whose expertise aligns with their proposed area of study. 

Courses 

Applied Linguistics students take courses addressing foundational and emerging topics in second language acquisition, language teaching and pedagogy, multilingualism, language assessment, research design, and quantitative and qualitative methods. Students may also take relevant courses across the Department of Linguistics and other Georgetown programs. 

See the faculty members’ individual profiles below for recent course offerings. 

Research 

Applied Linguistics research at Georgetown encompasses experimental, classroom-based, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches. Faculty and graduate students investigate language learning and teaching in laboratory, instructional, community, and study-abroad contexts. 

Assessment and Evaluation Resource Center  (AELRC)  

Led by Professor Meg Montee, the AELRC’s mission is to facilitate useful assessment and evaluation practices that help foreign language educators innovate and improve their programs, ensure accountability to students and society, and articulate the value of foreign language studies in the world today. 

Initiative for Multilingual Studies  (IMS) 

Led by Professor Lourdes Ortega, the IMS works to advance multilingualism in education in the U.S. and across the globe. It supports its members in the design, funding, conduct, and communication of research that fosters multilingualism as part of the solution to high-quality education for all. 

Lab for SLA and Task-Based Research  (Task Lab) 

Led by Professor Lara Bryfonski, the Task Lab investigates second language acquisition and instructed second language learning, with particular emphasis on task-based language teaching (TBLT) and language teacher education. Its research draws on classroom-based, mixed-methods, and eye-tracking approaches. 

Students are encouraged to contact faculty members about opportunities to participate in current research projects and research groups. 

Applied Linguistics Faculty 

Affiliated Faculty