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Computational Linguistics

About the Program

Computational Linguistics appeals to dynamic students with a desire to develop cutting-edge, practical tools that can be of tremendous benefit to society, such as speech recognition, automated text analysis, information retrieval, machine translation, cryptography, and computer security. Brandeis University's Master of Arts (M.A.) program in Computational Linguistics is perfect for students who wish to delve into this scientific, interdisciplinary study of language/linguistics with its foundation in technology and computer science.  Our students develop expertise in the theoretical foundation of the field while gaining the practical tools needed to apply Computational Linguistics in solving significant real-world problems.

Brandeis is a world-class research university with a collaborative, liberal arts atmosphere. We're just minutes from the Cambridge and Boston area's 'technology corridor' and a plethora of  job and internship opportunities, research labs, and connections to key industry players.  Our vibrant, interdisciplinary computational linguistics program draws on the expertise of faculty members and innovative interdisciplinary research from computer science (artificial intelligence, theory of computation, and programming methods), language and linguistics (phonology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics), philosophy, cognitive science, and psychology.

We offer a two-year M.A. program in Computational Linguistics, and for Brandeis Undergraduates, a five-year combined B.A./M.A. program. There are several tracks to accommodate students of varying academic backgrounds, including those with little or no computer science, as well as computer science students with little or no linguistics background. For-credit internships with local companies are available in the second year of study, along with the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research within the department. 

Degree Options

• M.A. in Computational Linguistics (part-time and full-time)
• B.A./M.A. in Computational Linguistics (Brandeis undergraduates only)

Related Programs

• M.A. in Computer Science (part-time and full-time)
• M.A. in Computer Science and IT Entrepreneurship (part-time and full-time)
• Ph.D. in Computer Science
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Computer Science  (part-time and full-time)

Courses and Completion Requirements

For the most updated course listing, course descriptions, and degree requirements, please click here.

Faculty

We encourage you to explore one of the department’s greatest assets through our faculty pages. Learn more about the people who will help guide you along your graduate school path here.

Additional Resources

Consortium: Our membership in the Boston consortium allows you to take courses at Tufts University, Boston University, and Boston College, thus enhancing your Brandeis experience and the spirit of collaboration which Brandeis embodies.
Student Services: At Brandeis, you will become part of a community that is strengthened by life both within and outside of the classroom and laboratory walls. Please visit Student Services to see the array of University resources, events, and programming for graduate students, including our Graduate Student Services Center, Off-Campus Housing, Health Insurance, English as a Second Language (ESL) program, Disability Resources, Counseling Center, Career Services, and the Graduate Student Association.

Admission Information

Admission Semester:

Master’s: Fall & Spring
B.A./M.A.: Fall & Spring  (current undergraduates should begin taking graduate courses in their seventh semester at Brandeis)

Application Deadlines:

Master’s: For fall semester (starts in late August): rolling, beginning Jan.15; For spring semester (starts in January): Nov. 1
B.A./M.A.: Current undergraduates should apply for the B.A./M.A. program after completion of their sixth semester at Brandeis.

Admission Requirements:

Although previous experience in computer programming or linguistics may be helpful, it is not necessary for the two-year M.A. program in Computational Linguistics.

• An application to the graduate school, which can be electronically submitted here;
• An application fee (please click here for instructions);
• Official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended; applicants must provide a final transcript indicating successful completion of an undergraduate degree program before registration;
• Two letters of recommendation, which the admissions committee prefers to be submitted online (please click here for more information). The B.A./M.A. program requires only one letter of recommendation.
• A curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé;
• A statement of purpose indicating your reasons for undertaking graduate study. In addition, please describe your qualifications for the academic program and your objectives in undertaking this program;
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) recommended, but not required. Our ETS institution code is 3092.

International students:  For additional requirements for international applicants (non-U.S. citizens or non-permanent residents), minimum TOEFL and IELTS scores, and important information regarding visas, please click here.

For a more comprehensive description of application requirements, please click here.

Financial Aid

Generous financial aid is available; for more information please click here.