About the Program
Explore how language works and apply it to real-world challenges. In Applied Language Studies, gain skills for careers in education, communication, policy, media, business, and more. Complete a capstone project on a linguistics topic of your choice.
The Polytechnic Experience
Explore grammar and phonology by breaking language into its core components. Study how people learn additional languages, examine language and society, and learn the history of English. Engage with real-world language issues through hands-on research, experimentation, and analysis, preparing you to work in diverse communities and professional environments.
Career Outcomes
Courses
Cal Poly Pomona’s Applied Language Studies option in the Bachelor of Arts in English focuses on the scientific study of language and its practical applications. Students explore language structure, mental processes involved in language acquisition, and the interaction between language and society. The curriculum is designed with increasing complexity, starting from introductory linguistics courses to advanced seminars in applied linguistics. The program culminates in a capstone course where students conduct an independent research project on a chosen linguistic topic.
Professor of Linguistics and TESOL
Olga Griswold
Dr. Olga Griswold spent part of the 2023/24 winter break in Thailand to set up a new study abroad opportunity. Griswold traveled to the Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyabury (RMUTT), about 30 miles north of Bangkok, to meet with campus partners there and establish the new program, providing an incredible opportunity for CPP and RMUTT students.
Internships & Service Learning
ENG 4410: Internship Cooperative Education (EMLxCPELI)
ENG 4410 is both an internship and a 3-unit course designed to provide hands-on experience and mentoring to CPP students interested in working with English language learners. In the internship portion, CPP students will work as Language Liaisons with Mentors at CPP’s English Language Institute (CPELI). Interns will also work in individual and group settings to provide assistance to CPELI students. In the course portion, students will learn best practices for working with English language learners. They will develop academic knowledge and professional skills through mentorship with a faculty advisor. The scholarship is made possible by the generous support of Lucy and Carl Wang to honor the memory of their daughter, Shana, who was a Cal Poly Pomona student and an English major with an emphasis in Education. She had plans to earn her teaching credential and her dream was to become a teacher for young children. She had a passion for community involvement with charitable organizations and was committed to helping others in need. She was outgoing, kind, and generous.
Internships & Service Learning
Study Abroad in Thailand
Participate in a Teaching Abroad to Thailand summer program. CPP students have the opportunity to travel to Thailand for a few weeks during the summer along with their faculty advisor. Students will be placed into English classes at Rajamangala University of Technology, Thanyaburi (RMUTT), about an hour away from Bangkok. Students will observe faculty mentors and eventually lead their assigned class themselves. Students will also have opportunities to engage with the community and explore several important historical, cultural, and tourist destinations through group tours organized by the host university. Students can also explore the local urban center as well as Bangkok on their own.
