1. Home ›
  2. Undergraduate ›
  3. Linguistics Minor

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.

Courses focus on the study of core areas of human language. This includes:

  • phonetics
  • phonology
  • morphology
  • syntax
  • semantics
  • sociolinguistic theories related to language acquisition
  • sociocultural aspects of language and language change

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.

Did you know?

Over 7,000 languages are spoken around the world, and more than half of the world’s population speaks more than one language.

“The linguistics minor has been the perfect connector between my two majors in Psychology and Spanish. It is broad and touches on topics from many other courses of study, like psychology, anthropology, and sociology. It has helped me to understand language, a human phenomenon, and appreciate it for the evolutionary marvel that it is. The minor has also helped me learn a second language. This is because I am more aware of the processes that are happening in my mind and how I can use both languages to interact with people from all over the world.” - Samantha Loper '20

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!