Career Exploration
Linguistics majors possess unique skills that are highly valued across various fields, offering diverse career options that cater to different interests and strengths. Whether you're drawn to the analytical aspects of computational linguistics, the cultural and societal dimensions of community-based work, or the theoretical exploration of language and cognition, there is a path that can align with your passions. Your ability to analyze, interpret, and apply language knowledge can lead to impactful roles in education, technology, research, and more. By exploring these career paths, you can find a fulfilling career that leverages your linguistic expertise and makes a meaningful contribution to your chosen field.
Pathways within the Linguistics major
The linguistics program offers a diverse range of elective courses, giving you the option of selecting courses that develop specific career competencies. While there are many possible ways to combine electives to build career competencies, the sections below present three possible career pathways—Community-Based Linguistics, Computational Linguistics, and Language and Cognition—to help you explore and align your academic interests with potential careers. These pathways are designed to provide focused study and practical skills in areas that intersect with various professional fields, from language preservation to technology to theoretical research. You are encouraged to consider these paths as a way to tailor your education towards specific career goals. While all linguistics majors are required to take 15 credits of elective courses (in addition to 19 credits of required courses), there is no requirement that those electives be from any particular pathway. You have the flexibility to choose courses across all pathways based on your personal interests and career aspirations, ensuring a well-rounded and customized educational experience.
Community-Based Linguistics Pathway
The Community-Based pathway emphasizes the relationship between language and society, focusing on how languages evolve, interact, and impact communities. Students in this track will be exposed to the diversity of ways people interact with their language(s) in courses such as Language and Society and World Englishes, and they will explore Languages of the World and Historical Linguistics to gain a broad understanding of language diversity and change over time. They will apply their knowledge in courses such as Field Methods I & II, which teach the techniques for documenting and analyzing languages, especially those that are endangered or less-studied. This pathway is ideal for students passionate about working directly with language communities and those interested in language preservation and revitalization. Graduates pursue careers in community- and people-oriented fields such as education, journalism, and communications, as well as language documentation and revitalization.
Recommended Linguistics Electives:
- LING 1701: Language and Society
- LING 1705W: World Englishes
- LING 3101W: Languages of the World
- LING 3601: Historical Linguistics
- LING 5105: Field Methods in Linguistics I
- LING 5106: Field Methods in Linguistics II
- AMES 5281: Language and Politics across Asia
- AMIN 3141/5141: American Indian Language Planning
- ANTH 3005W: Language, Culture, and Power
- ANTH 4035: Ethnographic Research Methods
- CPSY 4345: Language Development and Communication
- GCC 3036: Seeking Connection through Decolonization: The Power of Indigenous Lands and Languages
Recommended Coursework Beyond the Major:
- OLPD 3202: Introduction to Strategies for Teaching Adults
- OLPD 5202: Perspectives of Adult Learning and Development
- COMM 1101: Introduction to Public Speaking
- ENGL 3001W/3001V: Textual Analysis: Methods
- JOUR 3004/3004H: Information for Mass Communication
- Language Documentation & Revitalization
- K-12 Education
- TESOL Education
- Marketing & Advertising
- Journalism
- Communications
Language & Cognition Pathway
The Language & Cognition pathway explores the theoretical aspects of language and its use in various contexts, emphasizing the study of linguistic structures and functions. Students in this pathway will engage with courses such as The Human Mind and Human Languages, which examines the theoretical foundations of how language interacts with cognitive processes, and Pragmatics and Advanced Semantics, focusing on the understanding of ‘meaning’ in language, and on its context and usage. Conversation Analysis and Field Research in Spoken Language will further enhance their understanding of how conversational norms and structures influence communication. This pathway is ideal for students interested in the theoretical aspects of linguistics and those who enjoy analyzing language in depth. Graduates pursue careers in academia, linguistic research, and roles that require a deep understanding of language theory and its practical applications, such as those in language assessment, translation, and education.
Recommended Linguistics Electives:
- LING 1801: The Human Mind and Human Languages
- LING 1913: What’s in a Word?
- LING 3601: Historical Linguistics
- LING 5206: Linguistic Pragmatics
- LING 5207: Advanced Semantics
- LING 5461: Conversation Analysis
- LING 5462: Field Research in Spoken Language
- PHIL 4231/5231: Philosophy of Language
- PSY 5054: Psychology of Language
- SLHS 3303: Language Acquisition and Science
- SLHS 3304: Phonetics
Recommended Coursework Beyond the Major:
- CPSY 4343: Cognitive Development
- PSY 3051: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
- SLHS 1301W/1301V: Physics and Biology of the Voice
- SLHS 1402: The Talking Brain
- SLHS 3302: Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms
- SLHS 3303: Language Acquisition and Science
- Academia
- Speech Language Pathology
- Translation & Interpretation
- Marketing & Advertising
- Journalism
- Communications
- Editing & Publishing
- Lexicography
- Forensic Linguistics
- Government & Military
Computational Linguistics Pathway
The Computational Linguistics pathway centers on the intersection of language and technology, emphasizing the development and application of computational tools for analyzing and processing linguistic data. Students will engage with courses like Language and Computers and Computational Linguistics, where they learn to use programming languages and to apply computational tools to linguistic questions. This pathway suits students who are interested in how language technologies can solve real-world problems and those who enjoy working with data and programming. Careers in this pathway include roles in tech companies, such as developing language processing tools, and positions in research and development that involve creating innovative applications for language technologies.
Recommended Linguistics Electives:
- LING 3900: Language and Computers
- LING 5207: Advanced Semantics
- LING 5801: Introduction to Computational Linguistics
- PHIL 4231/5231: Philosophy of Language
- PHIL 5201: Symbolic Logic I
- PHIL 5202: Symbolic Logic II
- PHIL 5211: Modal Logic
Recommended Coursework Beyond the Major:
- CSCI 4011: Formal Languages and Automata Theory
- CSCI 4511W: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- CSCI 5521: Machine Learning Fundamentals
- CSCI 5541: Natural Language Processing
- Tech Industry
- Lexicography
- Editing & Publishing
- Forensic Linguistics
- Government & Military
Linguistics Alongside a Second Language
All UMN students must complete 4 semesters of a second language. Fortunately, a major in linguistics pairs excellently with the study of any second language. In addition to electives within each of the three pathways, students can consider a wide range of electives that are specific to the particular language they study.
Recommended Linguistics Electives:
- AMIN 5107: The Structure of Anishinaabemowin: The Ojibwe Language
- FREN 3500: Linguistic Analysis of French
- GER 5711: History of the German Language I
- GRK 5705: Introduction to the Historical-Comparative Grammar of Greek and Latin
- SPAN 3701: Structure of Spanish: Phonology and Phonetics
- SPAN 3702: Structure of Spanish: Morphology and Syntax
- SPAN 3703: Origins and History of Spanish and Portuguese
- SPAN 3730: Topics in Hispanic Linguistics
- SPAN 5701: History of Ibero-Romance
- SPAN 5714: Theoretical Foundations of Spanish Syntax
- SPAN 5716: Structure of Modern Spanish: Pragmatics
- SPAN 5930: Topics in Ibero-Romance Linguistics
Recommended Coursework Beyond the Major:
- ARAB 3290: Arabic Language Teaching Tutorial
- DAKO 3125: Introduction to Dakota Linguistics
- FREN 3014: French Phonetics
- FREN 3015: Advanced French Grammar and Communication
- FRIT 5999: Teaching of French and Italian: Theory and Practice
- GSD 5103: Teaching of Germanic Languages
- HMNG 3290: Hmong Language Teaching Tutorial
- KOR 3290: Korean Language Teaching Tutorial
- SPAN 3704: Sociolinguistics of the Spanish-Speaking World
- SPAN 5718: Spanish Language Contact
Careers in Linguistics
A linguistics degree opens the door to a wide array of fulfilling career paths, each leveraging your expertise in language and communication. From education to language preservation to technological innovation, there are numerous opportunities where your skills can make a significant impact.
What is the job: Language documentation and revitalization involves recording and preserving endangered languages and working to revive languages that are at risk of disappearing. Professionals in this field often work with indigenous and minority language communities to create comprehensive records of languages, including their grammar, vocabulary, and usage, and develop educational materials to support language learning and revival efforts.
Relation to linguistics: Linguistics provides the foundational skills needed for this work, including knowledge of phonetics, phonology, syntax, and semantics. Understanding these aspects of language helps linguists accurately document and analyze linguistic structures. Additionally, expertise in sociolinguistics can be crucial in working effectively with communities to promote and support language revitalization efforts.
Recommended track: Community-Based Linguistics
What is the job: K-12 teachers educate students from kindergarten through 12th grade, delivering subject-specific content and helping to develop students' academic and social skills. Teachers may work in various subject areas including English language arts, which often involves a focus on reading, writing, and literature.
Relation to linguistics: Linguistics knowledge supports K-12 teachers in areas such as language development, literacy instruction, and understanding language acquisition processes. It can be particularly useful in teaching English Language Learners (ELLs) and in developing effective instructional strategies tailored to students' linguistic backgrounds.
Recommended track: Community-Based Linguistics
What is the job: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) involves instructing non-native English speakers in various contexts, such as language schools, universities, or adult education programs. TESOL teachers focus on improving students' English language skills for academic, professional, or personal purposes.
Relation to linguistics: Linguistics provides a deep understanding of language structure, acquisition, and pedagogy, which is vital for designing effective language instruction. Knowledge of syntax, semantics, and phonology enhances the ability to teach English grammar, pronunciation, and language use.
Recommended track: Community-Based Linguistics
What is the job: In marketing and advertising, linguistics majors develop strategies to effectively communicate messages to target audiences. They analyze consumer behavior, create persuasive content, and design marketing campaigns that resonate with different linguistic and cultural groups.
Relation to linguistics: Linguistic skills are useful for understanding how language influences consumer perception and behavior. Understanding how languages work aids in creating effective and culturally appropriate marketing materials.
Recommended tracks: Language & Cognition or Community-Based Linguistics
What is the job: Journalists research, write, and report news stories for various media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, television, and online platforms. They cover a wide range of topics, from politics to science to human interest stories.
Relation to linguistics: Linguistic skills aid in crafting clear and compelling narratives, understanding language use and tone, and ensuring grammatical accuracy. Knowledge of sociolinguistics can also help journalists better understand and represent diverse communities.
Recommended tracks: Language & Cognition or Community-Based Linguistics
What is the job: Professionals in communications manage and strategize the dissemination of information within organizations and to the public. They handle internal communications, public relations, and media outreach to shape and maintain the organization's image.
Relation to linguistics: Linguistics provides insight into effective communication strategies, language use, and audience analysis. An understanding of discourse analysis and pragmatics also aids in the understanding of linguistic nuance and communicative meaning.
Recommended tracks: Language & Cognition or Community-Based Linguistics
What is the job: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) diagnose and treat speech, language, and communication disorders. They work with individuals who have difficulties with articulation, fluency, voice, and language processing, helping them to improve their communication skills through various therapeutic techniques.
Relation to linguistics: A background in linguistics is essential for understanding the complexities of language structure and use, which is crucial for diagnosing and treating communication disorders. Knowledge in phonetics, phonology, and language acquisition can aid SLPs in developing effective treatment plans and interventions.
Recommended track: Language & Cognition
What is the job: Academics in linguistics conduct research, teach courses, and contribute to scholarly discourse in their field. They work at universities and research institutions, focusing on various aspects of language study, including theoretical and applied linguistics. Many linguists work and teach in related disciplines, such as second language education.
Relation to linguistics: A deep and comprehensive understanding of linguistic theories, methodologies, and research techniques is essential for a career in academia. Linguistics majors typically pursue advanced degrees and engage in original research to contribute to the field's knowledge base.
Recommended track: Language & Cognition
What is the job: Translators convert written text from one language to another, while interpreters facilitate spoken communication between individuals who speak different languages. Both roles are essential for bridging communication gaps in various contexts, including legal, medical, and diplomatic settings.
Relation to linguistics: A deep understanding of both source and target languages' grammar is crucial for accurate and effective translation and interpretation. Linguistics also helps in grasping cultural and contextual nuances.
Recommended track: Language & Cognition
What is the job: Editors and publishers work on refining and producing written content for various media, including books, articles, and online content. They ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency in language, style, and formatting.
Relation to linguistics: Linguistics provides a strong foundation in language structure and an ability to analyze linguistic data, which are essential for editing and proofreading. Editors with a background in linguistics can better understand and apply grammatical rules and stylistic conventions.
Recommended tracks: Language & Cognition or Computational Linguistics
What is the job: Lexicographers compile, write, and edit dictionaries and other reference works. They research word meanings, usages, and etymologies to create accurate and comprehensive lexical entries. Lexicographers often work for publishing houses, educational institutions, or language research organizations.
Relation to linguistics: Linguistics is central to lexicography, as it provides the tools to analyze and describe language in a systematic way. Knowledge in areas like semantics, etymology, and corpus linguistics helps lexicographers in creating detailed and reliable dictionary entries.
Recommended tracks: Language & Cognition or Computational Linguistics
What is the job: Forensic linguists apply linguistic knowledge to legal contexts, such as analyzing written or spoken language evidence, providing expert testimony in court, and assisting with the investigation of linguistic aspects of crimes. Their work can involve examining documents, deciphering ambiguous language, and assessing authorship.
Relation to linguistics: A background in linguistics is crucial for understanding the nuances of language that are relevant in legal contexts. This expertise allows forensic linguists to provide accurate and insightful analyses of linguistic evidence.
Recommended tracks: Language & Cognition or Computational Linguistics
What is the job: Linguists in government and military roles may work as intelligence analysts, cryptologists, or language specialists. They analyze and interpret foreign language communications, assist in national security operations, and provide translation and interpretation services.
Relation to linguistics: Linguistics is vital for understanding and analyzing complex language data, which is crucial in intelligence and security contexts. Knowledge of language structure, sociolinguistics, and second languages helps in deciphering communications and understanding cultural contexts.
Recommended tracks: Language & Cognition or Computational Linguistics
What is the job: In the tech industry, linguistics majors can work on projects involving natural language processing (NLP), machine translation, and speech recognition. These roles often involve designing and refining algorithms to improve human-computer interaction and language technology applications.
Relation to linguistics: Linguistics provides essential knowledge for understanding and developing language technologies. Expertise in areas such as syntax, semantics, and computational linguistics is critical for creating and optimizing software that processes and interprets human language.
Recommended track: Computational Linguistics
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