BA in Linguistics
The linguistics major consists of linguistics courses designed to foster a deep understanding of human natural language, including an appreciation of the structure and organization of natural languages, the variety of natural languages, the commonalities that underlie the vast apparent differences among languages, the processes of language acquisition in children, the psychological and neurological bases of language use, and the form and significance of social variation in language.
The general linguistics major serves students who have an interest in language as an aspect of human nature or who wish to pursue graduate education in language-related areas.
The goals of the linguistics major are 1) to help each student develop an understanding of the nature of natural language, 2) to help each student develop a foundation of more specialized expertise relevant to the student's career goals, and 3) to help each student compile a record of achievement that will facilitate the student's search for employment or further education.
For more information, click here.
The number of credits required to complete the major in linguistics: 45-54 (depending upon the concentration; exclusive of the University Core curriculum). The requirements for each option (General Linguistics, ASL/English Interpreting, or Speech and Language Science) are:
General Linguistics:
LIN 185
LIN 311
LIN 312
LIN 313
LIN 314
LIN 315
One 200-, 300-, or 400-level LIN course (three credits) or one of the language-based courses offered by the English Department (ENG 230, 330, 331, 332, 336, 337, 338, 431)
One 300- or 400-level LIN course (three credits)
Two 400-level LIN courses (six credits)
LIN 490
Four semesters of language study (number of credits varies depending on course)
Total: 45 credits minimum (the number varies depending on the choice of language courses)
ASL/English Interpreting Concentration:
LIN 105
LIN 185
LIN 310
LIN 313
LIN 422
LIN 331
LIN 332
LIN 333
LIN 334
LIN 410
ASL 301, 302, or 303
ASL 401
ASL 402
One of LIN 405, 413, or 498; or six credits of LIN 425 (topics) courses
LIN 435 (six credits)
Total: 51 or 54 credits
Speech and Language Science Concentration:
LIN 185
LIN 201
LIN 211
LIN 212
LIN 213
LIN 310
LIN 311
LIN 312
LIN 313
LIN 314
LIN 315
One 400-level LIN course (three credits)
LIN 490
Four semesters of language study (number of credits varies depending on course)
Total: 51 credits minimum (the number varies depending on the choice of language courses)
Language Component
Students pursuing the general linguistics major and speech and language science concentration must complete four semesters of a language or languages other than their native language. Students may choose to take four semesters of the same language or to divide the four courses among two or more different languages. The language courses may be waived on a case-by-case basis for students who demonstrate the equivalent degree of competency in a language or languages. In such cases, students replace the language course credits with other linguistics courses (or possibly with linguistics-related courses in other areas). The substitutions are made in consultation with the student's advisor. Students pursuing the English ASL/interpreting concentration must have taken four semesters of ASL (101-202) or have attained a level of proficiency equivalent to four semesters. These courses (or the equivalent) do not count as credits toward the major, but are prerequisites to the interpreting courses and upper-level ASL courses.
Honors in Linguistics
Linguistics majors who do outstanding work in the major can graduate with honors in linguistics. The requirements for Honors differ for the three options.
Honors for General Linguistics:
- Achieve a G.P.A. of at least 3.7 in LIN courses.
- Earn a grade of 'B' or higher in all language courses that count toward the major.
- Submit a portfolio of linguistic activities approved by the Department. (The portfolio documents linguistic activities outside of required coursework. Examples of such activities include independent study and research internship courses, tutoring, and attendance at linguistics conferences. Students who plan to submit a portfolio should discuss the details with their advisor.
- Complete a senior thesis (LIN 498) and earn a grade of 'A'.
Honors for ASL/English Interpreting Concentration:
- Achieve a G.P.A. of at least 3.7 in LIN and ASL courses.
- Complete the following additional LIN courses with a grade of 'B' or higher: LIN 311, 312, 314, 315, and 490
Honors for Speech and Language Science Concentration:
- Achieve a G.P.A. of at least 3.7 in LIN courses.
- Receive a grade of 'B' or higher in all language courses that count toward the major.
- Submit a linguistic activities portfolio that is approved by the Department. (The portfolio documents linguistic activities outside of required course work. Examples of such activities include independent study and research internship courses, tutoring, attendance at linguistics conferences.) Students who plan to submit a portfolio should discuss the details with their advisor.
- Complete a senior thesis (LIN 498) and earn a grade of 'A'.
Recommended Course Sequence
In the ideal case, students should begin the major before registering for the second semester of the sophomore year. They should take LIN 185 at the earliest opportunity. Students majoring in general linguistics or in the speech and language science concentration should also take a statistics course (PSY 105 or MAT 120) early on.
Students enrolled in the major are expected to maintain regular contact with the linguistics faculty and to participate in or attend various linguistics events (guest lectures, colloquia, etc.) that will be scheduled from time to time.
USM Social Dashboard »
Check out our new Social Dashboard to see other ways to stay connected across the USM community.