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At-a-Glance

  • M.A. in Computational Linguistics
    -Two-year program (based on full time enrollment)
    -Full- or part-time
    -Fall application deadline: Rolling, from January 15 until April 1
    -Spring application deadline: November 1
  • B.A./M.A. in Computational Linguistics
    -For Brandeis undergraduates only
    -Five-year program
    -Fall and spring admission
    -Current Brandeis undergraduates apply after completion of their sixth semester.

Computational Linguistics

computational linguistics


About the Program

The two-year Master of Arts program in Computational Linguistics is designed for outstanding students with an undergraduate degree in linguistics, computer science, the study of language, or a related field. This interdisciplinary M.A. provides a solid foundation for professional work in the field or pursuit of a PhD in computational or theoretical linguistics. This foundation enables our graduates to excel in burgeoning fields such as:

  • speech recognition
  • automated text analysis
  • information retrieval
  • machine translation
  • web search
  • "Big Data"

For-credit internships are available in the second year of study, along with the opportunity to conduct research within the department.

Brandeis is a world-class research university with a collaborative, liberal arts atmosphere, 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 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
  • psychology

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.

Courses and Degree Requirements

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

Related Programs

How to Apply

Application Deadlines:

Master’s: For fall semester (starts in late August): rolling, from January 15 until April 1; For spring semester (starts in January): November 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. Applicants must submit:

  • 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 and Scholarships

Generous scholarships and financial aid are available; for more information please click here.

Careers and Alumni

In the age of Google, Facebook, and Twitter, our graduates will find their skills applicable to various work environments.  Areas where alumni may find employment opportunities include translation agencies, technology manufacturers, telecommunications companies, and the federal government. AT&T Labs, FactSet Research System, MIT Media Lab, MITRE, SAP Labs and ShutterStock are among the list of our current alumni employers. Students can work closely with our Career Services office for an array of resources, including CV/resume help, job search, and networking. Read the Computational Linguistics Career Guide (PDF).