Master of Science in Computational Linguistics

Powering the Next Generation of Language Technology

With your Master of Science (MS) in Computational Linguistics from San José State University, you position yourself as a leader at the intersection of language and technology. Our two-year graduate program prepares you to analyze, model and generate human language using computational approaches, combining core training in linguistics with advanced computer science course work. 

Offered jointly by the Department of Linguistics and Language Development and the Department of Computer Science, this interdisciplinary program equips you with the technical and analytical skills needed to work in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence, large language models and other emerging language-driven technologies.

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Why Earn Your MS in Computational Linguistics at SJSU?

During your time in the computational linguistics master’s program, you benefit from:

• Integrated course work that combines linguistics and computer science, preparing you to work across technical and language-focused teams.
• A career-focused approach that helps you build a diverse, in-demand skill set for roles in industry, research and emerging language technologies.
• Personalized support from faculty who bring deep expertise and invest in your academic and professional growth.
• A location in the heart of Silicon Valley, connecting your studies to one of the world’s most influential tech landscapes.

Discover why graduate students choose San José State University to advance their expertise.

What You’ll Learn

Blending linguistics and computer science, our program’s interdisciplinary curriculum builds strong theoretical foundations while sharpening your technical skill set. Across 30 credits of core courses, specialized electives and a culminating thesis or project, you explore how language works — from sound and structure to meaning — and learn how to model, analyze and generate language using computational methods.

Along the way, you improve your competency in programming, algorithms and data structures, probability and statistics, as well as key areas of linguistic theory, such as syntax, semantics, phonology and morphology. You solidify these skills through hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and software while critically evaluating existing solutions to linguistic problems.

This applied learning empowers you to innovate in language-driven technologies and stand out from traditional software engineers or machine learning specialists.

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Culminating Experience

Your time in the master’s program in computational linguistics ends with a culminating experience. Under the guidance of a computer science or linguistics and language development advisor, you can choose to either complete a thesis, which offers a more traditional academic research approach, or a master’s project, which integrates more applied, hands-on work. Both bring your expertise together to address a meaningful problem and demonstrate your ability to design, evaluate and implement computational solutions to language-based challenges.

Learning Outcomes

Upon graduating from the computational linguistics program, you’re well-equipped to:

• Apply fundamental understandings and knowledge of diverse forms of languages and linguistic phenomena for computational analysis.
• Design, implement and evaluate theoretical models of linguistic phenomena and Natural Language Processing tasks that involve computer processing of human language.
• Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computational linguistics practice based on ethical and legal principles.
• Integrate linguistic theory, advanced computing principles and tools in the science of language and employ the resulting knowledge and skills to produce computational and linguistic solutions.
• See the Program Learning Outcomes in the SJSU Catalog.

Learn More About the Computational Linguistics Program

Discover the possibilities that lie ahead at SJSU by watching our Computational Linguistics information session. Meet Dr. Jon Rawski, learn about this fast-growing field and sample our cutting-edge curriculum.

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Computational Linguistics Careers

With a central location in the heart of Silicon Valley, San José State University gives you a strategic advantage in your graduate education. You gain expertise in natural language technologies and data-driven language analysis while learning in a region rich with technology, health-care and research organizations — and the opportunities they create.

With your technical training, you can pursue roles including:

• Artificial intelligence engineer
• Computational linguist 
• Natural language processing engineer
• Machine learning researcher

Where SJSU’s Graduates Work

Recognized for their depth of knowledge, work ethic and drive to innovate, SJSU graduates have secured roles at leading organizations, including:

Master’s in Computational Linguistics Program Admissions

Ready to take your next step toward earning your MS in Computational Linguistics? Applying to San José State University is a two-step process. You must meet the university’s graduate admission requirements, and the specific requirements of the computational linguistics program.

The College of Graduate Studies is available to guide you through the SJSU application process. They offer Information Sessions, Drop-in 1:1 Sessions, and support via email at [email protected] for university application questions.

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Application Requirements

When applying to the computational linguistics program, please complete the following steps:

• Submit your application through Cal State Apply.
• Submit official documents to Graduate Admissions by the Computational Linguistics document deadline.
• Provide two to three letters of recommendation, preferably academic (professional references are also accepted). Letters should be emailed to the computational linguistics program coordinator, Dr. Jon Rawski.
• No additional tests are required, including the GRE.

Prerequisites

Before entering the computational linguistics program, you must complete this course work or approved equivalents prior to enrollment. All courses should be completed with a grade of B or better, unless otherwise noted:

• Calculus: Two-semester sequence covering integration and partial derivatives (e.g., MATH 30 and MATH 31 at SJSU)
• Linear algebra (e.g., MATH 39 at SJSU)
• Discrete mathematics (e.g., MATH 42 at SJSU)
• Statistics and probability theory (e.g., MATH 105 or MATH 161A at SJSU)
• Python programming (e.g., CS 22A at SJSU)
• Object-oriented programming (e.g., CS 46A at SJSU)
• Data structures: Introductory course (e.g., CS 46B at SJSU)
• Introductory linguistics (e.g., LING 101 at SJSU)
• Natural language processing or computational linguistics (e.g., LING 165 at SJSU)

Financial Aid

Pursuing your computational linguistics degree is an investment in your future. Our Financial Aid and Scholarship Office offers practical support and resources needed to help you understand the entire process and manage the cost of your graduate education.

From finding scholarships and grants to submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)®, our team helps you plan ahead with confidence.

The College of Graduate Studies has also dedicated a Funding Opportunities page for additional funding resources.

Financial Aid

Position Yourself at the Cutting Edge: Earn a Computational Linguistics Master’s Degree

Shape the future of how humans and technology communicate. Earning your Master of Science in Computational Linguistics from San José State University equips you with rigorous training that refines your technical skills and strengthens your ability to apply them in real-world settings, preparing you as a competitive professional in a rapidly evolving field.

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