Linguistics (BA)

The Department of Linguistics is one of the top programs in the country, known for its research excellence and tradition of interdisciplinary collaboration. A broad range of subdivisions include computational linguistics, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, historical linguistics and laboratory phonology. The department is known for innovative teaching programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and outreach programs for K-12 students and the community.

There are two tracks in this major: Track A is designed to give students familiarity with a broad range of subject areas in linguistics. Track B is particularly appropriate for students planning to go on to graduate school.

The majors, in multiple ways, are encouraged to take an active role in determining future goals. One way this is accomplished is through independent research. Each year, 5-10 students participated in the Denman Undergraduate Research Forum; more than half of our majors participate in an internship; and about 10% receive competitively awarded funds to complete research.

Students also are encouraged to seek advice on a regular basis to ensure timely graduation and to develop career goals. As evidence of this, linguistics majors complete their degree in a timely manner — an average (2013-14) of 4.2 years and an average linguistics GPA of 3.5. Sixty-four percent of students in their senior year have educational or work-related goals in mind upon graduation.