"I chose Linguistics because I always had a love for language and how it works in society and literature."
Emily Suh ('24)
B.A. in Linguistics and English
About this Program
The Department of Modern Languages in the College of Liberal Arts offers the B.A. in Linguistics. Students come to understand that language is composed of layers of intertwined systems (sound, meaning, organization, and context) as they study phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. They explore language as it relates to society, including the relationship between language and social factors such as region, ethnicity, gender, and identity.
Our students learn how language is acquired, not through imitation, but through a natural process that moves through a series of stages. In linguistics classes, we will explore the
- influence of language on culture,
- influence of technology on language,
- way that language changes over time, and
- importance of context in communication.
The Value of a Linguistics Degree
Linguistics majors acquire valuable skills: analytical reasoning, critical thinking, argumentation, and clarity of expression. They learn how to analyze oral language and texts as a part of an interdisciplinary major that views data within the context of culture - skills sought by many employers.
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Program Information
Program Type
Major
Minor
Area of Study
Humanities
School
Duration
4 Years
Degree
B.A. in Linguistics
Program Location
Emphases
N/A
Required Credit Hours
120
Degree Requirements
See the information below on the linguistics major and minor. For a full description, visit the online catalog.
Students in the B.A. in Linguistics complete 30 credit hours of linguistics courses. Students must take at least 9 credit hours at the 500 level.
- Lin 200: Introduction to Linguistic Science
- Lin 303: Phonology
- 2 theoretical linguistics courses from
- Lin 304: Morphology
- Lin 305: Syntax
- Lin 306: Semantics and Pragmatics
- One Language Change & Variation course from
- Lin 310: Sociolinguistics
- Lin 520: Historical Linguistics
- Lin 511: Dialects of English
- Lin 545: Pidgins and Creoles
- One Intercultural Communication course from
- Lin 312: Language and Culture
- Lin 561: Multilingual Development & Education
- Lin 572: Cultural Dimensions of Language Education
- Lin 571: Intercultural Communication & Education
- Lin 552: Evaluation & Policy in Lang Education
- Twelve credit hours of linguistics electives
See all Linguistics courses in the online catalog.
A minor in linguistics requires 18 credit hours of linguistics courses.
- Lin 200: Introduction to Linguistic Science
- Lin 303: Phonology
- One theoretical linguistics course from
- Lin 304: Morphology
- Lin 305: Syntax
- Lin 306: Semantics and Pragmatics
- Nine credit hours of linguistics electives
What is Linguistics?
Connect with a Linguistics Major
Feagin Hardy
- Service and Community Engagement
Why did you choose to attend UM?
See Feagin’s AnswerNext Steps
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