OPT Language Specialist Jobs
Language Specialist jobs are a strong fit for OPT students with degrees in linguistics, translation, applied linguistics, or a related field. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations under F-1 OPT. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if eligible, gives you meaningful runway to establish yourself in this field.
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Get Access To All JobsTitle: Associate/Assistant Professor of Speech-Language Pathology | focus on adult neurogenic comm disorders
Employee Classification: Assoc Professor
Campus: University of North Texas
Division: UNT-Provost
SubDivision-Department: UNT-Col of Publ Affairs & Hlth Sci
Department: UNT-Audiology & Speech - Lang Path-135370
Job Location: Denton
Salary: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and discipline, in accordance with university guidelines and available funding.
FTE: 1.00
Retirement Eligibility: ORP Eligible
About Us - Values Overview
Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.
We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.
Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.
Department Summary
The Department of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology (ASLP), located in College of Public Affairs and Health Sciences (PAHS) at the University of North Texas, provides the finest graduate professional education in both speech-language pathology and audiology and maintains an excellent undergraduate degree program. The department stresses excellence in teaching, research, and service by its faculty and students. As part of the educational programs, the department operates the UNT Speech and Hearing Center, which offers professional services to members of our campus community and the general public for the purpose of providing clinical training for students. The Speech and Hearing Center offers state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, and hearing disorders.
The College of Public Affairs and Health Sciences (PAHS) at the University of North Texas prepares graduates to address diverse and complex social issues such as aging, disability, disaster management and recovery, criminal justice, health disparities and public safety, and find solutions to challenges in public administration, public and mental health, exercise physiology, and urban design.
We have nine academic departments with undergraduate and graduate programs, the Kristin Farmer Autism Center, the Center for Public Management, the UNT Speech and Hearing Center, the UNT Work Inclusion and Supported Employment (UNTWISE) program, UNT ELEVAR, and several professional development and clinical training programs to facilitate careers to address a global society.
UNT has a highly diverse campus with a wide range of languages spoken in addition to English. We welcome candidates who have experience with HSI/MSIs and/or who speak Spanish, Vietnamese, American Sign Language, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin and other variations), Arabic, Tagalog, Farsi, French, or/and Yoruba.
Position Overview
The Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology in the College of Public Affairs and Health Sciences at the University of North Texas invites applications for a 9-month tenure-track assistant or associate professor with expertise in speech-language pathology to begin Fall 2027. Successful candidates will have a Ph.D. in speech-language pathology, communication sciences and disorders, or a related field. Preferred candidates will bring an externally-funded research program, with expertise in neurodiverse populations or adult neurogenic communication disorders, including aphasia, cognitive-communication disorders, traumatic brain injury, right hemisphere disorders, dementia, and other neurological conditions. They will also help to educate and mentor future speech-language pathologists through excellence in teaching, clinical education, and research.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join one of the nation's leading public research universities, where interdisciplinary collaboration, clinical innovation, and translational research improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
The successful candidate will:
- Maintain, develop, and sustain externally funded research
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in speech-language pathology and related disciplines.
- Mentor master's and doctoral student research while fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
- Supervise graduate research, including theses and dissertations.
- Contribute to clinical education through supervision of student clinicians in the UNT Speech and Hearing Center and affiliated healthcare partners.
- Publish impactful research in leading peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international conferences.
- Contribute to curriculum development, accreditation activities, departmental governance, and professional service.
We welcome applicants in any area of speech-language pathology, with preference given to those with research programs focused on neurogenic communication disorders or neurodiverse populations. Areas of interest include:
- Neurogenic communication disorders, including aphasia, cognitive-communication disorders, and communication changes associated with stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative disease
- Neurodiversity and developmental communication differences, including autism
- Neuroplasticity, rehabilitation, and functional communication outcomes
- Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and other communication supports
- Technology-based interventions, telepractice, implementation science, and health disparities research
Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. in speech-language pathology, communication sciences and disorders, or a closely related discipline.
- An established research agenda with the ability to engage in independent research and grant development activities
- Ability to teach in traditional and non-traditional formats and settings (on-campus, off-campus, evenings, online) and utilize instructional technology software (instructional software, learning management systems such as Canvas)
- Demonstrated excellence in graduate teaching (in traditional and non-traditional formats), clinical education, and student mentorship.
Preferred Qualifications
- An established record of peer-reviewed publications demonstrating scholarly excellence.
- Evidence of a sustained, externally funded research program.
- Demonstrated excellence in graduate teaching (in traditional and non-traditional formats) and student mentorship.
- National or international recognition in adult neurogenic communication disorders.
- Experience supervising graduate student clinicians and clinical fellows.
- Leadership experience within academic programs or professional organizations.
Required License/Registration/Certifications
Physical Requirements
Communicating with others to exchange information.
Environmental Hazards
No adverse environmental conditions expected.
Work Schedule
varies based on assignment
Driving University Vehicle
No
Security Sensitive
This is a Security Sensitive Position.
Special Instructions
Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. Join Us!
We're seeking a collaborative colleague who is passionate about advancing the field of speech-language pathology, mentoring future speech-language pathologists, and translating research into innovative clinical practices. If you're ready to expand an impactful research program while helping shape the future of speech-language pathology, we invite you to apply.
Applicant Documents
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Description of 5-year research plan
- Three letters of reference upon committee request
- Statement of teaching interests
- If applicable, evidence of teaching effectiveness
Benefits
For information regarding our Benefits, click here.
EEO Statement
The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit – and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.
Title: Associate/Assistant Professor of Speech-Language Pathology | focus on adult neurogenic comm disorders
Employee Classification: Assoc Professor
Campus: University of North Texas
Division: UNT-Provost
SubDivision-Department: UNT-Col of Publ Affairs & Hlth Sci
Department: UNT-Audiology & Speech - Lang Path-135370
Job Location: Denton
Salary: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and discipline, in accordance with university guidelines and available funding.
FTE: 1.00
Retirement Eligibility: ORP Eligible
About Us - Values Overview
Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.
We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.
Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.
Department Summary
The Department of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology (ASLP), located in College of Public Affairs and Health Sciences (PAHS) at the University of North Texas, provides the finest graduate professional education in both speech-language pathology and audiology and maintains an excellent undergraduate degree program. The department stresses excellence in teaching, research, and service by its faculty and students. As part of the educational programs, the department operates the UNT Speech and Hearing Center, which offers professional services to members of our campus community and the general public for the purpose of providing clinical training for students. The Speech and Hearing Center offers state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, and hearing disorders.
The College of Public Affairs and Health Sciences (PAHS) at the University of North Texas prepares graduates to address diverse and complex social issues such as aging, disability, disaster management and recovery, criminal justice, health disparities and public safety, and find solutions to challenges in public administration, public and mental health, exercise physiology, and urban design.
We have nine academic departments with undergraduate and graduate programs, the Kristin Farmer Autism Center, the Center for Public Management, the UNT Speech and Hearing Center, the UNT Work Inclusion and Supported Employment (UNTWISE) program, UNT ELEVAR, and several professional development and clinical training programs to facilitate careers to address a global society.
UNT has a highly diverse campus with a wide range of languages spoken in addition to English. We welcome candidates who have experience with HSI/MSIs and/or who speak Spanish, Vietnamese, American Sign Language, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin and other variations), Arabic, Tagalog, Farsi, French, or/and Yoruba.
Position Overview
The Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology in the College of Public Affairs and Health Sciences at the University of North Texas invites applications for a 9-month tenure-track assistant or associate professor with expertise in speech-language pathology to begin Fall 2027. Successful candidates will have a Ph.D. in speech-language pathology, communication sciences and disorders, or a related field. Preferred candidates will bring an externally-funded research program, with expertise in neurodiverse populations or adult neurogenic communication disorders, including aphasia, cognitive-communication disorders, traumatic brain injury, right hemisphere disorders, dementia, and other neurological conditions. They will also help to educate and mentor future speech-language pathologists through excellence in teaching, clinical education, and research.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join one of the nation's leading public research universities, where interdisciplinary collaboration, clinical innovation, and translational research improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
The successful candidate will:
- Maintain, develop, and sustain externally funded research
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in speech-language pathology and related disciplines.
- Mentor master's and doctoral student research while fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
- Supervise graduate research, including theses and dissertations.
- Contribute to clinical education through supervision of student clinicians in the UNT Speech and Hearing Center and affiliated healthcare partners.
- Publish impactful research in leading peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international conferences.
- Contribute to curriculum development, accreditation activities, departmental governance, and professional service.
We welcome applicants in any area of speech-language pathology, with preference given to those with research programs focused on neurogenic communication disorders or neurodiverse populations. Areas of interest include:
- Neurogenic communication disorders, including aphasia, cognitive-communication disorders, and communication changes associated with stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative disease
- Neurodiversity and developmental communication differences, including autism
- Neuroplasticity, rehabilitation, and functional communication outcomes
- Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and other communication supports
- Technology-based interventions, telepractice, implementation science, and health disparities research
Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. in speech-language pathology, communication sciences and disorders, or a closely related discipline.
- An established research agenda with the ability to engage in independent research and grant development activities
- Ability to teach in traditional and non-traditional formats and settings (on-campus, off-campus, evenings, online) and utilize instructional technology software (instructional software, learning management systems such as Canvas)
- Demonstrated excellence in graduate teaching (in traditional and non-traditional formats), clinical education, and student mentorship.
Preferred Qualifications
- An established record of peer-reviewed publications demonstrating scholarly excellence.
- Evidence of a sustained, externally funded research program.
- Demonstrated excellence in graduate teaching (in traditional and non-traditional formats) and student mentorship.
- National or international recognition in adult neurogenic communication disorders.
- Experience supervising graduate student clinicians and clinical fellows.
- Leadership experience within academic programs or professional organizations.
Required License/Registration/Certifications
Physical Requirements
Communicating with others to exchange information.
Environmental Hazards
No adverse environmental conditions expected.
Work Schedule
varies based on assignment
Driving University Vehicle
No
Security Sensitive
This is a Security Sensitive Position.
Special Instructions
Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. Join Us!
We're seeking a collaborative colleague who is passionate about advancing the field of speech-language pathology, mentoring future speech-language pathologists, and translating research into innovative clinical practices. If you're ready to expand an impactful research program while helping shape the future of speech-language pathology, we invite you to apply.
Applicant Documents
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Description of 5-year research plan
- Three letters of reference upon committee request
- Statement of teaching interests
- If applicable, evidence of teaching effectiveness
Benefits
For information regarding our Benefits, click here.
EEO Statement
The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit – and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.
See all 823+ OPT Language Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Language Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Language Specialist
Align your degree to the job description
Language Specialist roles require a direct connection between your degree field and the position. A linguistics or translation degree maps cleanly. If your degree is adjacent, document coursework and projects that demonstrate subject-matter depth relevant to the specific language specialty.
Prioritize employers with established OPT workflows
Government agencies, international organizations, universities, and defense contractors regularly hire Language Specialists on OPT. These employers understand work authorization requirements and are less likely to withdraw offers when they learn you need authorization documentation processed before your start date.
Clarify your language proficiency credentials early
Employers screening Language Specialists want verified proficiency evidence. ILR ratings, ACTFL certifications, or DLIFLC training records carry weight. Lead with these credentials in your resume and cover letter so hiring managers see authorization and qualification concerns resolved simultaneously in your application.
Target roles with H-1B sponsorship history
Language Specialist positions at employers who have historically filed H-1B visa petitions signal a path beyond OPT. Check OFLC disclosure data to identify which organizations have sponsored this occupation before. Applying there improves your odds of long-term sponsorship after your OPT authorization period ends.
Track your employment start date against your OPT authorization
Your EAD must be valid before you start working. Language Specialist hiring often moves quickly once an offer is extended. Confirm your EAD start date and communicate it to HR immediately so onboarding timelines account for your authorized work start date without jeopardizing your status.
Document all freelance or contract language work carefully
Self-employment is permitted on OPT in limited circumstances, but it must constitute legitimate business activity in your field. If you take contract interpretation or translation work, maintain records of client agreements, invoices, and project scopes. This documentation matters if USCIS ever reviews your OPT compliance.
Language Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Language Specialist role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT purposes?
Most Language Specialist positions qualify as specialty occupations because they typically require a bachelor's degree or higher in linguistics, translation, applied linguistics, or a closely related field. The key is that the role must require that specific degree, not just any bachelor's degree. Roles at government agencies, universities, and defense contractors are among the most straightforward fits. If the job description lists a general degree as sufficient, that could create a specialty occupation documentation challenge.
Can I use my STEM OPT extension as a Language Specialist?
It depends on your degree's CIP code. STEM OPT eligibility is tied to your degree program, not your job title. Linguistics degrees can qualify under CIP codes for linguistic programs and computational linguistics, which SEVP designates as STEM-eligible. If your degree qualifies, your Language Specialist role must be directly related to that STEM field, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and agree to a formal training plan.
Where can I find Language Specialist jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the best place to search, since the job board surfaces roles from employers with active work authorization sponsorship history. Language Specialist openings appear across federal agencies, international organizations, language services companies, and universities. Filtering by OPT-friendly employers before you apply saves time and avoids situations where employers decline to proceed once they learn you need work authorization support.
What should I tell employers about my OPT status during the hiring process?
Be straightforward early. Explain that you hold an F-1 student visa, are authorized to work on Optional Practical Training, and that your EAD has a specific validity window. Clarify that no employer sponsorship is required during OPT itself, only a willingness to verify your EAD and potentially support an H-1B petition before your authorization expires. Most confusion arises from employers conflating OPT authorization with H-1B sponsorship, so drawing that distinction clearly helps.
How does the 12-month OPT unemployment limit apply to Language Specialist work?
USCIS requires that OPT students accumulate no more than 90 days of unemployment across the full 12-month OPT period. For STEM OPT extension holders, an additional 60 days of unemployment is permitted during the extension period. Any gap between Language Specialist roles counts toward this limit. Part-time work in a qualifying role counts as employment as long as it exceeds 20 hours per week, so short-term contract language work can help you stay within the unemployment threshold.