Linguistics is the study of human language as a universal part of human behavior and thinking—how languages are put together, what they have in common, the importance of language in human life and society, and how language is used to meet human needs.
When you pursue a B.A. degree in the Department of Linguistics, you immerse yourself in the scientific study of language and its structure, including the study of sound systems, grammar, and meaning.
As you earn this degree, you will also gain advanced proficiency in a foreign language. With a field methods option, you will gain practical skills and hands-on experience in research on language structure and use, working with speakers of undocumented languages.
As a Linguistics major, you may choose to focus on either linguistic analysis or on sociolinguistics in your electives and field method courses. You are also welcome to make your own topic selections among all the courses offered by the department.
The Linguistics B.A. attracts students who love the broad study of language. They enjoy studying foreign languages, and typically share some of the following qualities:
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