Career Options after Linguistics and Psycholinguistics

What is Linguistics?

Linguistics is one of the Humanities, and the scientific study of human language. It encompasses theories of linguistic structure in all domains: speech sounds (phonetics and phonology), words (morphology), sentences (syntax), meaning (semantics) and conversations (discourse). Courses examine:

  • Language structure, acquisition and processing
  • Language acquisition disorders
  • Language variation according to region, gender, class, etc.
  • Social functions of language
  • How languages change across time and why
  • Second language learning

Psycholinguistics emphasizes biological and psychological factors in language and disorders.

What makes Linguistics at UTSC unique?

UTSC’s Psycholinguistics, the only program in Ontario preparing students specifically for professional programs such as Speech Language Pathology!

Skills of Linguistics Grads

  • Analyse and identify patterns
  • Apply methodologies from many disciplines
  • Communicate with people from many backgrounds
  • Evaluate evidence
  • Listen and read for meaning and social use
  • Observe people and data Relate language to social context
  • Understand historical language change
  • Weigh values and compare interpretations
  • Write clearly and present information effectively

Entry-Level Jobs for Bachelor Grads

Common employment destinations include:

  • Writer/Editor in Media and Publishing
  • Research Associate in Marketing Agencies
  • Communications Assistant in Public Relations
  • Survey Analyst in Marketing and Advertising
  • Education Policy Analyst in Government
  • Services
  • Foreign Service or Immigration Officer in
  • Government Services
  • Technical Writer in Software or Manufacturing
  • English Teacher Abroad in International
  • Language Schools

The Career Directory

U of T Linguistics grads have gone on to:

  • Government of Ontario (Social Media Advisor)
  • Bridgepoint Active Healthcare (Communicative Disorders Assistant)
  • U of T (Event Planner)

UTSC Linguistics graduates are working in Education, Communications, and Research.

Graduate & Professional Studies

Popular further education opportunities include:

  • Linguistics – Master of Arts 
  • Speech Language Pathology – Master
  • Education – Bachelor or Master
  • Journalism – Diploma, Certificate or Master
  • Law School – JD (Juris Doctor)
  • Paralegal Studies – Diploma
  • Public Relations – Post-Graduate Certificate
  • Marketing – Post-Graduate Certificate

Examples of Fields that ‘Fit’ the Skills of Linguistics Grads

  • Magazine / Newspaper Publishing Firms
  • Government (Federal, Provincial, Regional, City)
  • Business Services
  • Immigration Services
  • Marketing and Communications
  • Education
  • Advertising and Public Relations
  • Law / Legal Services

Your 4-Year Career Exploration Action Plan

1. Do Your Research

The databases below provide you with details about job prospects, nature of work, educational requirements, working conditions, pay and related career paths:

Attend our workshop Discover Your Skills and Career Options, meet with a Career Counsellor, and use our resources to get to know your skills, values, personality and interests.

Use the advice on our tip sheets for gathering information:

  • Information Interviews
  • Working On-Campus
  • Internships
  • Volunteering

2. Explore Career Options & Get Experience

Gain exposure to your options in the world of work and make connections while you’re a student via campus events and programs listed on cln.utoronto.ca and ccr.utoronto.ca:

Apply for Work Study jobs in CLN in Fall and Spring! You might also find work via the SCSU.

Find networking opportunities, internship programs and entry-level jobs via websites like TalentEgg and Charity Village.

As an upper year student (14+ credits), attend UTSC’s Get Hired conference and participate in Jobs for Grads.

As a graduate, explore internships and other trainee programs like Career Edge.

3. Build Your Network

Explore Professional Associations and get involved: volunteer for their events and conferences, and get to know people in your industry of interest. These are your future mentors, supervisors and colleagues!

Other associations and websites for finding networking opportunities and experience include:

Please note: This document is a starting point for your further research into career options in this field of study. For more information on this program and course requirements, please visit the Linguistics website.