Computational Language Science Post-Baccalaureate Program

 

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Program Overview

What is the program about?

 

OVERVIEW OF THE POST-BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM

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Computational methods are growing in importance as state-of-the-art research and engineering tools. Yet, many students interested in pursuing graduate studies in computational linguistics or applying to industry positions lack necessary background.

Our program will deliver training in state-of-the-art computational techniques for language science and thereby give students access to this exciting, influential set of tools for the scientific study of language. In addition to exposing students to cutting-edge research in computational linguistics, our program will also offer the opportunity to hone scientific communication skills. The training students receive will significantly strengthen student competitiveness for admission into graduate-level programs and computational jobs involving language data.

Benefits of the Program

The Department of Language Science at UCI is one of the best places for training in computational language science, with faculty who have expertise in both academic research and industry. As a program, we offer training in state-of-the-art quantitative skills from a unique, interdisciplinary perspective to the scientific study of language. Specialties of UCI’s program include training in scientific communication, the possibility for hands-on research experience, and one-on-one mentoring with leaders in the field.

Educational Value of the Program

After completing the program, graduates will be more competitive for
 

1. research-oriented graduate programs in language science and related fields (linguistics, cognitive science, computational linguistics, natural language processing, computer science, psychology, communication science, education)
    
2. clinically-oriented graduate programs (like speech-language pathology), because of the scientific research experience
    
3. jobs involving computational methods and/or scientific communication about computational research (for example: language technologist, data scientist, language engineer, knowledge engineer, social media analyst, educational technologist, technical writer)
    

TIMELINE

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This is a sample timeline. Individual student timelines will vary based on availability and goals.

Entering Program in Fall
 

• Spring prior to Fall start date: Apply for program
   
• Summer before Fall quarter begins: Meet with academic advisor to discuss goals, outline course plan, and identify appropriate research lab (if applicable/desired); apply for financial aid (if needed)
   
• 1-3 weeks before Fall quarter begins: Register for courses, set up EEE and email accounts, apply for student ID/library card, and purchase parking pass (if needed)
   
• Throughout quarter: Attend departmental colloquium, research lab meetings, career center workshops, and graduate division workshops (if desired); meet with academic advisor as needed
   

Second Quarter Through Program Completion
 

• 3-4 weeks before each quarter begins: Meet with academic advisor to choose courses
   
• 1-3 weeks before each quarter begins: Register for courses
   
• Throughout quarter: Attend departmental colloquium, research lab meetings, career center workshops, and graduate division workshops (if desired); meet with academic advisor as needed
   
• Throughout program: Complete 8 courses total
   

One Quarter Prior to Program Completion (and After Program)
 

• Meet with academic advisor to check progress to certificate
   
• Request letters of recommendation (if applicable/desired)
   
• Apply to graduate programs and/or career opportunities (if applicable/desired). Note that admissions deadlines for academic programs are typically in the fall (for most Ph.D. programs) or in the Winter (for most Master's programs) for admission the following academic year.
   

For domestic students, the time it takes to complete the program will vary depending upon each student's schedule and goals. The program could be completed in as few as 9 months (by taking 2-3 classes per quarter) or in as many as 24 months (by taking 1 class per quarter). International students must complete the program in 3 quarters (by taking 2-3 courses per quarter).