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Master of Science in Computational Linguistics

Certificate in Natural Language Technology 

On This Page: Format | Courses | Cost | Earn Credit Toward Master's | Enroll in a Single Course | Admissions

Work at the forefront of natural language processing — a fast-changing field that’s behind innovations such as predictive text, voice assistants, information extraction and more.  

In this three-course certificate program, you’ll learn about the science that underlies natural language processing (NLP). You’ll delve into the various technical principles of language processing techniques and gain expertise in specialized algorithms. Along the way, you’ll get extensive hands-on experience with various NLP scenarios.  

Format

This eight-month certificate program is offered in a flexible format. You can attend class online, in person or both, based on your preference from week to week. In-person sessions are held on the UW campus in Seattle. 

The first course, held in the summer, meets in the late afternoon/evening. Other courses meet during the day. 

Courses

Students take 11 credits over two or three quarters. You must complete two required courses (LING 473 and LING 570) and one elective (LING 571 or 572). 

Summer Quarter  

Autumn Quarter

Winter Quarter

Cost

The Certificate in Natural Language Technology costs an estimated $10,648 (2023–24). Each quarter, students also pay registration ($55) and technology fees ($4–$22). Costs for textbooks and other course materials are extra.

Earn Credit Toward Your Master’s Degree

By completing this program, you can earn up to eight graduate credits toward degree requirements should you later be accepted into the Master of Science in Computational Linguistics. To use these credits, you must obtain graduate nonmatriculated status before you register for autumn quarter.

Enroll in a Single Course

If you’re not ready to commit to the full certificate program, you can take a single course to see if the curriculum is a good fit for you. Learn more about single course enrollment. 

Admissions

Application Deadline

Applications are currently closed. For the July 2024 program start, applications will open in spring 2024. Exact dates will be posted soon.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree
  • At least two years of programming experience, including knowledge of Python 
  • Knowledge of probability and statistics (equivalent to STAT 394 at the UW) 
  • Knowledge of data structures and algorithms (equivalent to CSE 373 at the UW) 
  • Demonstrated English language proficiency for applicants whose native language is not English

Application Steps

Step 1: Gather the following materials

  • A brief letter (250-word maximum) that describes your relevant experience, transferable skills, knowledge of the field and commitment to professional growth 
  • A resume that highlights how your education and any applicable experience fulfill the program's admission requirements 
  • One set of transcripts from all relevant institutions (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)

Step 2: Apply

Complete your application and submit your letter and resume online. Email your transcripts to pceapps@uw.edu.

Next, pay the $50 nonrefundable application fee. One to two business days after you submit your application, you’ll receive an email with a link to pay your fee.

After Applying

We review all applications together after the deadline. We'll contact you shortly after the deadline to let you know if you’ve been accepted to the program.

If you’re accepted, we’ll send you details about your first-term course, including information on how to register and pay your course fees. To ensure your spot in class, we recommend that you register by the priority registration deadline, which is four weeks before class begins. After that time, we may release your seat to another student. The final registration deadline is two days before the first class meeting.