Online Master’s in Applied Linguistics Bridging Linguistics to Real-World Applications
36
Credit Hours
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Dates: January 19, 2026 | February 16, 2026 | March 23, 2026
Are you seeking a master’s degree that explores the underlying structures of human language? Do you want to develop a theoretical understanding of language and use that knowledge to address real-world challenges? If so, conferring Liberty’s online Master of Arts (MA) in Linguistics – Applied Linguistics degree is a great option! Throughout this program, you’ll analyze the building blocks of language and learn how linguistics can be used to understand practical problems.
Linguistics is primarily a theoretical field, but its applications are far-reaching. Applied linguistics in particular offers a more practical approach to language, and the skills you gain in this graduate program may prove useful as you pursue work in artificial intelligence, business, translation, military intelligence, or speech pathology. By studying under our experienced faculty, you can become equipped to solve real-life problems in the fields of education, psychology, sociology, and more.
Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026
Balancing school with your other priorities may seem challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Liberty’s applied linguistics degree is offered 100% online with no set login times and no required intensives. You’ll have the freedom to complete your courses from the comfort of home without the worry of having to attend classes on campus. You can also stay invested in the things that matter — like your family, job, and community — while taking the next step in your academic journey.
At Liberty, we seek to equip qualified professionals with the tools needed to make a difference. Maybe you already work in linguistics and are seeking new job opportunities, or perhaps you’re looking to enter this exciting field for the first time. Either way, our online applied linguistics degree can equip you with a solid understanding of human language and help you pursue a wide variety of careers.
Throughout this program, you’ll study under faculty who have years of experience working in academia and the field of linguistics. With their guidance, you can develop marketable skills that are applicable in a variety of fields — from business and speech pathology to military intelligence and machine learning. At Liberty, we want to help you become an ethical, principled professional who can impact the world and spark a love of linguistics in the next generation.
Our linguistics online degree is broken down into 3 main parts: core linguistics courses, language studies electives, and the applied linguistics specialization. Within the core content of this program, you’ll study advanced topics in semantics, pragmatics, phonetics, phonology, morphology, and syntax. You’ll also dive into the history of language and explore important aspects of linguistic field studies. Our second language acquisition course provides an overview of language program models, learning theory, and relevant language policies.
Within the applied linguistics specialization, you’ll explore the practical application of linguistics. For instance, you’ll learn how to teach grammar, lexicon, and pronunciation to English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. You can also gain a deeper understanding of how linguistics affects research and teaching, among other areas. Additionally, you’ll be able to further personalize your degree by completing 2 language studies courses of your choosing. You can then take what you learn in this program and use it to solve real-world language problems.
Throughout this program, you’ll approach the study of linguistics from a biblical perspective. You’ll be encouraged to blend industry knowledge with ethical principles as you launch or further your career, and our distinguished faculty will seek to help you develop marketable skills that could set you apart from the competition. Partner with us and pursue a rewarding career in the field of linguistics!
Degree Completion Plan
Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.
At Liberty University, a private Christian education is less expensive than you think. Over the last 10 years, Liberty University’s Online Program has only raised its standard tuition costs by less than 5% – and most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors.
| Graduate Full Time | $580/Credit |
|---|---|
| Graduate Part Time | $645/Credit |
| Military Graduate | $290/Credit |
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
All Tuition & Fees
If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:
Please see the Online Undergraduate Enrollment in Graduate Courses Policy page for information about starting graduate courses while finishing your bachelor’s degree.
Unofficial transcripts combined with a Transcript Request Form can be used for admission. Official transcripts are required within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first, and will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.
Before sending unofficial college transcripts, please make sure they include the following:
An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to luoverify@liberty.edu.
If the student uses unofficial transcripts with a Transcript Request Form to gain acceptance, all official transcripts must be received within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first. Failure to send all official transcripts within the 60-day period will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.
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Submit your application online or over the phone.
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
Available Benefits:
*Not applicable to certificates.
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Our applied linguistics program is offered 100% online, giving you the freedom to complete your degree on your schedule.
You’ll have the opportunity to network with leaders and experts in linguistics from across the country.
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, non-degree-seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and certificate students.