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Linguistics Minor

Linguistics--the scientific study of language--is an investigation into a complex domain of human knowledge. Studying linguistics will teach you how languages are constructed and language is used in different contexts. Because of its interdisciplinary nature, linguistics has connections with a wide variety of fields. Some examples are: neuroscience, literature, anthropology, psychology, philosophy, computer science, and languages. With a linguistics minor, you will develop an enhanced understanding of human language. This understanding will be an asset in any career that you choose.

The linguistics minor has particular value for students who:

  • Wish to pursue graduate studies in education, applied linguistics, theoretical linguistics, or a language
  • Plan to pursue graduate work in information technology, medicine, or law
  • Have interest in working for a governmental agency
  • Are considering careers in translation, interpretation, advertising, publishing, or literature
  • Wish to pursue careers in legal or medical consulting
  • Are considering military intelligence careers

Students do not have to declare the minor to take linguistics courses.

"The Linguistics minor was meaningful to me because I got to dissect how people communicate and the hidden meanings of language. This has helped prepare me for a future career working in policy where I want to understand how people receive and interpret messages from policy makers."
- Julia McKenna '23 - Honors Sociology Major, Linguistics and Data Science Minor

Requirements

  • Evidence of second language study equal to 4 semesters of a second language (the same language) through courses and/or placement tests
  • 15 credit hours
CSLC scheduled courses and their descriptions can be found here.

CSLC 20301: Introduction to Linguistics (3 credits)

Core/Fundamentals : select 1 of the following (3 credits)

Core courses not taken to fulfill the Core Course Requirement can be taken as electives.

  • ANTH 40470: Zoom Text Talk Insta Sing Read Write Chat: Modalities and Media of Interaction
  • ANTH 20204: Fundamentals of Linguistic Anthropology 
  • ANTH 45842: Doing Things with Words
  • CSLC 30101: Second Language Acquisition
  • PHIL 43902: Philosophy of Language
  • PSY 43455/63455: Psycholinguistics
  • PSY 43456/63456: Pragmatics of Language Usage

Electives : select 2 of the following (6 credits)

Capstone: CSLC 48000 Independent Research Project (3 credits)

Under the direction of an approved faculty member, you will write an independent, article-length research paper. This will be overseen by the Director or Assistant Director of the CSLC. The capstone course should be taken after finishing all other linguistics coursework or in the same semester that the student finishes the required coursework outlined above.

Declaring the Minor

To learn more or to declare the linguistics minor -- write to us!