Computational Linguistics (MS)- STEM Designated Degree Program
The Departments of Linguistics and Computer Science have teamed up to offer the ONLY Master of Science in Computational Linguistics program in New Jersey. A total of 32 credits is required to complete the two-year Master’s program. All interested in languages and technology can apply regardless of their undergraduate major. Students in the program will be able to conduct research in state-of-the-art labs through funded federal research grants. Prerequisite courses (up to 11 additional credits) will be determined in consultation with the Graduate Program Coordinator. The coursework depends on the background of the student.
Computational linguistics is an interdisciplinary academic discipline that combines elements of linguistics, software engineering, artificial intelligence and electrical engineering. Professionals trained in this field help machines process human language and help linguists understand language through computer models. It is the most commercially viable branch of linguistics; hundreds of companies in the US work on computational linguistics or Natural Language Processing (NLP, a related field whose goal is to build language processing applications).
It prepares students for employment in industry in the broad field of computer and information research and analysis with strength in language analysis. Employers seek candidates with the MS credentials to be computational linguists, social analysts, knowledge engineers, search product analysts, language engineers, technical linguists, voice user interface designers, and ontology engineers, among others. According to 2017 Burning Glass data, the average listed salary for these positions in NY-NJ-PA Metro area was $102,000.
- Computational linguists work for high tech companies, creating and testing models for improving or developing new software in areas such as speech recognition, grammar checking, dictionary developing and more.
- Computational linguists work in the areas of computer-mediated language learning and artificial intelligence.
- Computational linguists work in research groups at universities and government research labs.
Companies that employ computational linguists include Google, Amazon, Nuance, Merck, Interactions, Red Hat, Acquire Media, Berlitz, ETS, Ethnic Technologies, Veracode, CQ Fluency, Ogilvy Common Health, as well as many smaller companies in the region.
Along with the Computational Linguistics (MS) degree, the Linguistics Department offers a graduate Computational Linguistics (Certificate).
The Office of Graduate Admissions requires a U.S. bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, in order to be eligible to apply for the MS in Computational Linguistics graduate program. Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the U.S. degree equivalency information.
In order to make applying for graduate school as seamless as possible for you, we have
created an application checklist. This checklist can be a reference point for you during the
application process to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the steps
needed to apply, as well as all corresponding supplemental materials for your specific
program of interest.
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admission.
- Submit Online Application: Please create your online account and submit your application by following the general application instructions. The $60 application fee will be waived for Spring 2020 applicants.
The following is a list of the supplemental materials that will accompany your application for the Computational Linguistics (MS) program:
- Transcript: One from each college attended.
- Statement of Purpose – Please write an integrated essay providing a response to each of the following questions:
- What are your goals for graduate study and your future career?
- In what ways do your academic background and your professional experiences provide evidence of your potential for success in the program you selected and in your eventual career? Please give specific examples of relevant coursework and/or experience.
- Is there any further information we should consider in assessing your candidacy?
- Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) letters of recommendation, from persons qualified to evaluate the applicant’s promise of academic achievement and potential for professional growth.
- Standardized Test Scores: GRE is optional for all applicants.
- Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the US degree equivalency information.
If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please email or call us:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Email: graduate@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973-655-5147
Fax: 973-655-7869
If you have specific inquiries regarding your program of interest, please contact the Computational Linguistics (MS) Program Coordinator:
*During the summer months, there will be a rotating department chair available to answer your inquiry. Click to find the updated summer chair for this program.*
Program Coordinator: Dr. Anna Feldman
Office: Conrad J. Schmitt Hall 240B
Email: feldmana@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973-655-7500