Major: Linguistics

Do you ever think how wonderful it would be to be in a room of people speaking a language that’s not your native language and understand what they’re saying? Studying other languages and engaging with others in their language immerses you in different cultures, fostering empathy and greater awareness of social and political divides.

As a Linguistics major, your studies will encompass all aspects of language—historical, structural, acquisitional, and practical. You’ll explore how children learn a language. How language use—whether colloquial or slang—impacts how certain people are viewed and treated. You’ll study why language varies based on factors such as education, social class, and gender.

What does a Linguistics major study? 

• Phonetics and Phonology
• Language Development
• Syntax and Semantics
• Intonation
• Historical Linguistics

What can I do with a Linguistics degree?

You’ll find that linguistics intersects with many other areas of study, such as communication sciences and disorders, sociology, anthropology, computer science, and psychology. As a result, you can find plenty of career opportunities as a linguist in various industries. Here are some examples:

• Interpreters and Translators
• Technical Writers
• Special Education Preschool Teachers
• Recreational Therapists
• Editors

Specializations for a Linguistics major:

• Language and Cognition
• Sociolinguistics
• Second Language Acquisition
• Semantics

What are the requirements for a Linguistics degree? 

In addition to completing coursework for graduation, students must meet language requirements. Check with your college and university for further details. Seek help from your academic advisor if you need additional guidance.