Linguistics Major

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Program Overview

Linguistics is the study of language; it examines the construction of language and the mechanics of speech, and attempts to explain why language varies in humans. The Major Program in Linguistics is designed to help students prepare for entry into professional programs in areas with a significant language component, such as speech language pathology, education, and language teaching.

Complementary Programs: Psychology, English, English Chinese Translation, Sociology, Anthropology, Women and Gender Studies.

Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:

1. Competencies & Skills

  • 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
  • Relate language to social context
  • Understand historical language change

2. Careers for Graduates

  • 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
  • ... and more!!

3. Further Education

  • Linguistics
  • Speech Language Pathology
  • Communicative Disorders
  • Education
  • Journalism
  • Law School
  • Paralegal Studies
  • Public Relations
  • Marketing
  • ... and more!

Program Pathway

Year 1
CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY
DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS
APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE
BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)
PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER
  • Volunteer with organizations to explore your interest in industries related to your program of study; check listings on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
  • Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with SCSU’s Volunteer Network Program to explore opportunities.
Year 2
CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY

DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS

APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE

  • Get involved in relevant opportunities on and/or off campus; apply to Work Study, or other part-time and summer jobs on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).

BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)

PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER

  • Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
  • Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
Year 3

CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY

  • 4.0 further credits in LIN and/or PLI, of which at least 2.0 credits must be at the C- or D-level (check Linguistics program website for further details).
  • Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.
DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS
APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE
  • Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groups, DSL and the AA&CC.
BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)
PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER
Year 4 or Final Year
CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY
  • Continue to fulfill the additional 2.0 credits in any LIN, PLI, JAL or JLP courses mentioned in year 3.
  • Ensure you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
  • Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
  • Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.
DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS
  • Apply for an Academic Travel Fund via DSL to research, present at a conference, or engage with the international academic community.
  • Consider taking in an Independent Study Course which will allow you to work closely with a faculty member on a project.
APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE
  • Attend the Summer & Full-time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for summer and full-time positions relevant to your field.
BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)
  • Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
  • Participate in the LSA’s Wug Life Initiative, an outreach program that introduces high school students to the fields of Linguistics and Psycholinguistics.
PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER
  • Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
  • Attend the Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course”; find job opportunities on CLNx.
  • Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.

Contacts

Did You Know

There are estimated to be over 6500-7000 spoken languages in the world.