Ashford University, an academic institution owned by Bridgepoint Education (NYSE: BPI), has introduced its newest degree, the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics. Perceiving a growing demand for modern applications of the study of language, Ashford University created a degree that facilitates its use in teaching, therapeutic settings and computational linguistics. 

“Because human language is perhaps the most pervasive manifestation of the mind and culture, it follows that we should teach the theories that support it,” stated Mary Alexander, executive dean of Ashford’s College of Liberal Arts. “Ashford is one of very few universities to offer this bachelor’s degree online, and students who complete this program will be well prepared to move further in this growing field.” 

Ashford’s Applied Linguistics degree can support a student’s plans for the future in a wide range of careers, including the practice of law, medicine, marketing, writing, education, speech therapy and any line of work where the understanding of linguistics is necessary.  

“We are especially pleased to offer the bachelor’s degree in Applied Linguistics. It focuses on the use of linguistics in solving societal needs such as language learning, speech pathology and natural language processing for computer programming,” added Alexander. “You may have seen the game show Jeopardy recently where a computer named WATSON played against human opponents and won rather handily. WATSON’s effectiveness is due in part to its capacity for natural language processing, which is a part of what students will learn in this exciting and innovative new major.” 

Ashford’s Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics is currently available online only. This degree does not lead to licensure or certification of any kind. It is the student’s responsibility to determine individual states’ requirements for practice.

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