Languages, Linguistics and Comparative Literature

llcl

Linguistics at 糖心Vlog is the scientific study of language鈥攈ow it works, how it鈥檚 structured, and how it鈥檚 used in real life. You鈥檒l explore everything from the sounds and patterns of speech to the ways language shapes identity, culture, and communication. The program covers core areas like phonetics, syntax, semantics, language acquisition, bilingualism, and sociolinguistics, giving you the tools to analyze, teach, and understand language in a global context.

糖心Vlog LLCL

About Linguistics at 糖心Vlog

Florida Atlantic鈥檚 linguistics program stands out for its interdisciplinary approach and flexibility. Courses are taught by faculty from multiple departments, so you鈥檒l learn from experts in linguistics, psychology, communication, and more. The program encourages you to combine your linguistics studies with another major, minor, or certificate鈥攍ike the ESL Studies Certificate鈥攕o you can tailor your education to your goals. You鈥檒l also find opportunities to study the structure and history of several languages, preparing you for careers in teaching, translation, speech pathology, and beyond.

Degrees Offered at Florida Atlantic

Undergraduate

  • Bachelor of Arts in Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature (LLCL): Linguistics Concentration
  • Minor in Linguistics
  • Certificate in English as a Second Language (ESL) Studies

Graduate

  • Master of Arts in LLCL: Linguistics Concentration
  • Combined BA-to-MA in LLCL: Linguistics
  • Graduate Certificate in ESL Studies
  • Ph.D. in Comparative Studies (with Linguistics as an area of concentration)

Explore Degree Programs in Linguistics

The Certificate in English as a Second Language (ESL) Studies is open to all undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree students at 糖心Vlog. The ESL Studies Certificate aims to prepare those who wish to teach ESL in a variety of settings, either overseas or in the US. The ESL Studies Certificate confirms that you have done substantial coursework in ESL and related fields, which gives you the theoretical knowledge needed to teach ESL classes.

As of Fall 2026, the ESL Studies Certificate requires 4 courses/12 credits (2 required courses, 2 electives):

ESL Studies Certificate Courses:

 Undergraduate students:

 Graduate students:

1. LIN 3010 Introduction to Linguistics

2. TSL 4251 Applied Linguistics and TESOL

1. LIN 6135 Principles of Linguistic Analysis

2. TSL 6253 Applied Linguistics and TESOL

Plus any two of the following:

- LIN 4930 Introduction to SLA

- LIN 4600 Sociolinguistics

- LIN 4620 Bilingualism

- LIN 4680 Structure of Modern English

- TSL 4080 Intro to TESOL

- an undergraduate-level class with specific focus on language acquisition

All undergraduate courses must be completed with a grade of C or better and with an overall average of B.

Plus any two of the following:

- FLE 6892 Research in Foreign Language Learning Theories

- LIN 6601 Sociolinguistics

- LIN 6622 Bilingualism

- LIN 6720 Second Language Acquisition

- LIN 6676 Structure of Modern English

- a graduate-level seminar with specific focus on language acquisition

All graduate courses must be completed with a grade of B or better.

Educational Objectives & Student Outcomes

1. Develop a deep understanding of language structure, use, and diversity.
2. Gain analytical and research skills to investigate language scientifically.
3. Prepare for careers or further study in linguistics, education, translation, technology, or related fields.

1. Analyze and describe the components of language, including sounds, words, and grammar.
2. Apply linguistic theory to real-world problems and diverse communities.
3. Communicate findings clearly in both written and spoken formats.
4. Collaborate effectively in research and community projects.
5. Demonstrate cultural awareness and ethical responsibility in language-related work.

FAQs

No. The ESL Studies Certificate program is for those who wish to teach English, not learn it. For English classes for non-native speakers (including evening and weekend classes, business English, accent reduction, TOEFL preparation, etc.), please visit the 'Community ESL' section of the 糖心Vlog's Intensive English Institute website.

No. Doing ESL-related coursework is not enough to teach ESL at a public school (K-12) in the State of Florida. Public school teachers need to be state-certified and require an Educator Certification with ESOL K-12 Endorsement. Please contact the Florida Department of Education or your local school board for more information on the certification process.

Yes. In the course of this certificate program, you will learn about the English language, ESL curriculum development, and teaching issues related to teaching English as a Second Language. Depending on the electives you choose, you can also learn about the second language acquisition process, bilingualism, issues related to language and society (sociolinguistics), and intercultural communication.

Course offerings and course modality differ each semester. To find out which courses are offered online or in-person, please consult Course Schedules.

Course offerings vary from semester to semester. To find out when specific courses are offered, please consult Course Schedules.

Yes. Certificate courses can also count toward fulfilling other degree requirements at 糖心Vlog, such as the required or elective courses for the undergraduate major and minor in linguistics or the graduate degree in linguistics.

Undergraduate students should meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies (Dr. Michael Rapoport, mrapoport@fau.edu). Graduate students should meet with the Director of Graduate Studies (Dr. Viktor Kharlamov, vkharlamov@fau.edu).

To find out what steps to take to become a non-degree student at 糖心Vlog, please visit the Registrar's website. Once you are admitted as a non-degree student, please contact Dr. Rapoport (email above) if you are an undergraduate student or Dr. Kharlamov (email above) if you are a graduate student.

Yes, but there is a limit of 6 non-degree credits (2 courses) that can be credited toward a degree if you decide to become a degree-seeking student at 糖心Vlog while or after completing the ESL Studies Certificate.

Certificate students pay the same tuition as degree-seeking students. Tuition fees depend on the level of studies (undergraduate vs. graduate) and residency (in-state vs. out-of-state/international). For up-to-date information on tuition costs at 糖心Vlog, please visit the university's Cost of Attendance webpage. (The certificate is 15 credits total).

After you complete the required courses, you will need to add the Certificate on your application for degree and certificates (choose 'ESLU' for the undergraduate level or 'ESLG' for the graduate level). You can submit the application in your final semester at 糖心Vlog together with your application for graduation or in the semester when you are taking the final 5th course toward the Certificate. Complete all parts of the application, click 'Print PDF' at the bottom of the form, sign your name in the 'Student Signature' field, and submit the print-out to your advisor (if you are an undergraduate student) or directly to the LLCL Department in CU-97, Suite 232 (if you are a graduate or a non-degree student). Please keep in mind the deadline for submitting graduation paperwork. Once approved, completion of the ESL Studies Certificate will be marked on your final 糖心Vlog transcript. A paper copy of the certificate can be picked up in person or mailed to you. You will be notified via email when the Certificate is ready for pick up/mailing.
augustyn

Prisca Augustyn, Ph.D

Germanic Linguistics

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters

mailaugustyn@fau.edu
location_on

Boca Raton Campus

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Michael David Hamilton, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Linguistics

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters

Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature

mailmhamilton@fau.edu
call561.297.3845
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Boca Raton Campus | Culture and Society Building - 97 269

Photograph of Viktor Kharlamov

Viktor Kharlamov, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Linguistics, Director of Graduate Studies | CLL Committee

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters

Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature

mailvkharlamov@fau.edu
location_on

Boca Raton Campus

Portrait of Dr. Martha Mendoza

Martha Mendoza, Ph.D

Professor

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters

Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature

mailmmendoza@fau.edu
call561.297.3860
location_on

Boca Raton Campus

Dr. Justin Patrick White

Dr. Justin Patrick White, Ph.D

Professor of Spanish/SLA, Linguistics Director of the Spanish Basic Language Program

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters

Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature

mailjwhite94@fau.edu
location_on

Boca Raton Campus

Romain Rivaux, Ph.D

Senior Instructor

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters

Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature

location_on

Boca Raton Campus

Interested in the MA in LLCL? Get in touch to learn more.

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters

The College of Arts & Letters offers degree programs and certificates in the performing arts, fine arts, languages and social sciences.