Linguistics Minor

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Language plays a crucial role in almost every aspect of human life; it is fundamental to commerce, government, education, science, technology, the arts, and the mass media. The field of linguistics is devoted to the study of language, its nature, its uses, and its limitations. Because of its wide relevance, undergraduate study in linguistics can be a springboard to careers in many areas, from education to computer science.

Program Requirements

Minimum number of credits required for the minor: 18

Note: Students majoring in general Linguistics or in Linguistics with concentrations in Speech and Language Science, French Linguistics, or Spanish Linguistics may not complete the Linguistics minor. Students majoring in Linguistics with concentrations in ASL Linguistics or in ASL/English Interpreting may complete the Linguistics minor, but they need to complete at least three courses in the minor that do not overlap with requirements for the major.

Required Coursework

Note: Some of these courses have prerequisites; see course descriptions.

LIN 185 - Language, Mind, and Society: An Introduction to Linguistics Credits: 3
LIN 313 - Syntax Credits: 3
One three-credit 100-level or 200-level LIN course that does not fulfill another requirement in the minor (may be replaced with a higher level LIN course in consultation with a faculty advisor)

Two of the following courses:

LIN 309 - Language Acquisition Credits: 3
LIN 310 - Signs of Language in the Brain Credits: 3
LIN 311 - Phonetics Credits: 3
LIN 312 - Phonology and Morphology Credits: 3
LIN 316 - Crosslinguistic Variation Credits: 3
LIN 317 - Two Languages, One Mind: Introduction to Second Language Acquisition and Bilingualism Credits: 3

One of the following courses:

ASL 416 - ASL Linguistics in ASL Credits: 3
FRE 416 - The Linguistic Structure of French Credits: 3
SPA 416 - The Linguistic Structure of Spanish Credits: 3
One three-credit 400-level LIN course (excluding courses focused on interpreting)