Linguistics

Language is perhaps the most central and unique human ability, and the study of Linguistics is a broad-based social science that leads to understanding human language — opening a window on humanity. 

Overview

Human language and communication are studied through many academic lenses: historical, cultural, observational, and computational. The interdisciplinary Linguistics minor delves into a broad range of these topics as you examine the mechanics of language and develop knowledge as a global citizen.

A Linguistics minor will allow you to integrate knowledge of English and non-English languages with scientific principles, and apply insights to fields like anthropology, cognitive science, education, sociology, and psychology. This minor prepares students for careers in translation, computer science, counseling, journalism, speech therapy, and international business, and provides a foundation for graduate studies in linguistics.

Your Minor Took You Where?

Linguistics minors have gone on to a variety of graduate programs and careers.

Employers and Professions

Peace Corps Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Forensic Linguist
Speech-Language Pathologist

Postgraduate Study

Psychology
Speech-Language Pathology
Cognitive Science

Curriculum

Curriculum for the Linguistics minor includes Introduction to Linguistics, in addition to a range of offerings, such as Cognition, History of the English Language, Hispanic Linguistics, Linguistic Anthropology (Language, Culture, & Power), Media and Politics, Symbolic Logic, and courses in Computer Science. Additionally, the Linguistics minor requires two non-English language studies and a senior-year capstone project.

Minor Requirements

Experiential Learning

Students engage in hands-on learning experiences and reflection to develop skills and increase knowledge retention.

With a minor in Linguistics, you can look forward to immersive experiences participating in study abroad programs that combine interests in language study, with opportunities to participate in a summer language immersion program. On campus, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on research and present work at undergraduate conferences.

Internships

We're committed to helping students find quality internship experiences in the career area of their choice.

Internships for Linguistics minors at Centre have included Latinoamérica Habla, Indigenous Rights Radio: Cultural Survival, and The Language Conservancy.

Careers

Our extraordinary liberal arts and sciences education prepares students for meaningful lives and careers.

Graduates with a Linguistics minor have found successful and diverse careers in computer science, counseling, journalism, speech therapy, and international business and public affairs.