Apply now to the MS in Human Language Technology

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We’ll soon be finalizing the Fall 2026 cohort in the online MS in Human Language Technology. Our program introduces students to the tools and technologies used in modern computational approaches to human language: natural language processing, statistical language modeling & LLMs, machine learning, deep neural networks, speech-to-text & text-to-speech tools, and symbolic approaches to text processing & knowledge representation. The fully online asynchronous program allows anyone, anywhere, to learn these skills even while maintaining a full-time job.

Our program is a great way for those already working in tech to upskill in the tools you need to work with language. It’s also a great way for those who already have a deep understanding of language and linguistics to learn to apply these computational tools and technologies. You don’t need a formal background in Computer Science or Software Engineering to enter our program: although we require basic proficiency with Python or another programming language to enter the program, we believe applicants can reach this level of programming skill through self-study using freely-available resources. My suggestions are at https://euangeleo.github.io/blog/2025/Prep-for-MSHLT/. If your plan is still in progress at the time you apply, describe your plan in your application and make your case that you’ll be prepared by the start of classes in late August.

Other online programs may be similar to ours, but something that sets us apart is our faculty, who bridge linguistics and programming. We’re based in a Department of Linguistics, and we believe that deeply understanding the structure, patterns, and complexity in language is complementary to skills in developing software and application architectures to work with language. Our faculty work not just with technologies for English but also with technologies to serve the needs and cultural values of Indigenous and low-resource language communities. You can find more about that work and the Advancing Indigenous Language Technology working group at https://ailt.arizona.edu.

As a teacher and advisor for many students, I’ve heard the lament that AI has shrunk the pool of available jobs, especially jobs that previously required writing code. On the other hand, I’ve also seen those who have found success by having skills both in programming and in a domain of expertise where they can apply that programming, like in the area of language and linguistics. Whether your background is in language or in tech, success requires a deep understanding of language, the ability to collaboratively design and maintain a clean, efficient, and readable code base to accomplish useful tasks with language data, and an understanding of the strengths and limitations of today’s generative AI tools. We could help you find your next great opportunity.

Application for Fall 2026 is open until July 20th. Information at https://linguistics.arizona.edu/ms-hlt, apply at https://apply.grad.arizona.edu.