Computational Linguistics combines knowledge of Computer Science and Linguistics; it requires students to have a fundamental understanding of both fields to conduct research and solve practical problems on machine-human communicative interactions, such as modern speech technologies and natural language processing. Skills in Computational Linguistics can also aid students in other Linguistics areas with contemporary computer-based automated methodologies in the digital era. The Certificate in Computational Linguistics (CCL) is a multidisciplinary program for graduate students interested in speech and language processing technology. This non-transcripted certificate is open to all students who are pursuing a graduate degree in one of the units in the School of Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics. By participating in the program, students would earn a Graduate Certificate in Computational Linguistics, in addition to their Ph.D. or master's degree.
Students must complete courses from the specified list and satisfy all requirements below to earn the certificate. The certificate will be awarded upon completion of the certificate.
CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS
To earn the CCL, graduate students must complete at least 16 graduate credit hours from the following courses offered by the Department of Linguistics:
A. Two core courses (8 credits) (required):
1. One course in language processing:
Ling 406: Introduction to Computational Linguistics
or
LING 414: Advanced Computational Linguistics*
2. One course in machine learning:
LING 448: Introductory Machine Learning
B. Two elective courses (8 graduate credit hours):
LING 413 - Computational Corpus Linguistics
LING 414 - Advanced Computational Linguistics*
LING 442 - Computational Sociolinguistics
LING 443 - Computational Semantics
LING 444 - Computational Syntax
LING 446 - Fundamentals for Speech Signal Processing and Analysis
LING 506 - Topics in Computational Linguistics**
* LING 414 can be chosen to count towards either core or elective credits, but not both.
** LING 506 can be taken twice if topics vary.
Courses completed for the certificate may also count toward a student’s graduate degree, subject to the requirements of the student’s degree program:
For students in the Linguistics Ph.D. program, the required coursework can all count as core courses and/or electives towards Stage 1 and/or Stage 2 requirements.
- For MATESL students, these courses may count as electives. The MATESL degree requires two elective courses, whereas the CCL requires four courses. Because certificate courses may also have prerequisites, such as LING 402, MATESL students pursuing the CCL will need to complete at least 48–52 credit hours rather than the 40 credit hours required for the degree. Students should plan carefully to ensure that they can complete all coursework within two years.
Students in departments other than Linguistics should discuss their plans for the CCL with their director of graduate studies to see how the certificate fits with their graduate program.
Students who have declared the certificate prior to Fall 2026 may complete either the original requirements or the revised requirements.
ADMISSION
The CCL is not a degree program, so students interested in obtaining the CCL must first be admitted to a graduate degree program in the School of Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics. Students may then indicate their interest in the CCL program by contacting the CCL Program Chair. Upon completion of the CCL requirements, students will need to provide their transcript to the CCL Program Chair as proof of completion.
The department of Linguistics will administer the certificate and be fully responsible for monitoring student progress and providing academic advising. Students who complete the certificate will earn a digital credential through Accredible.
FINANCIAL AID
Financial aid is handled through the student's home department, not the CCL program.
INQUIRIES
Inquiries on the CCL Certificate can be directed to the CCL Program Chair:
4096 Literatures, Cultures & Linguistics Building
707 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801
E-mail: yty@illinois.edu