BA in Linguistics
Linguistics is the scientific study of human language. Our courses explore:
- How principles govern the structure of natural languages
- How people use language in social interaction
- How children and adults acquire languages
- How languages change over time
You should major in linguistics if you enjoy learning about language. The major in linguistics prepares you for a variety of careers by providing courses that require problem-solving and data analysis; strong communication skills; independent, self-motivated work ethic; critical reading and argumentation skills; and sensitivity to and the ability to work with culturally diverse individuals and groups. The Linguistic Society of America has published an in-depth article about careers for people who study linguistics.
The Institute of Linguistics offers two routes of study: a BA and a minor in linguistics.
The Institute of Linguistics curriculum guides you in how to study language scientifically. You will develop skills that have general applications, including critical thinking, analytical reasoning, argumentation, and effective communication. Students who major in linguistics often go on to pursue careers or higher education in the fields of linguistics or related fields such as computer science, law, marketing, or any other field that requires the skills above.
Career Paths
All liberal arts degrees help CLA students develop their Core Career Competencies, and linguistics majors develop specific skills that are applicable to lots of different careers. These skills include the ability to problem solve and perform data analysis, communicate effectively and work with culturally diverse individuals.
Students who take the SuperStrong Interest Inventory receive a three-letter interest code, which identifies their top three areas of interest, work activities, potential skills, and personal values. The interest code "AIS" is often associated with this major, however, the SuperStrong assessment can help you understand how your interests connect to a variety of majors and career options. You can learn more about common employer types and occupations associated with this major. You can also see CLA specific examples of alumni careers below.
Internship & Job Search Websites
- Handshake
- Linguist List
- Talent Zoo
- Media Week
- Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network
- MediaBistro
- The Write Jobs
- Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
- Idealist (Nonprofit positions in the US and internationally)
Professional Organizations
Graduate Programs in Linguistics
This is a small sample of programs alumni have gone onto, to find graduate programs in this field, search the Grad School Directory or Peterson's Guide.
- University of Minnesota
- University of Maryland
- UMass Amherst
- MIT
- UCLA
- University of Texas
- Texas A&M
- University of Southern California
- University of California at Berkeley
- University of California at Santa Cruz
- Ohio State University
- Yale University
- Harvard University
- University of Hawaii
- Oxford University
- University of Edinburgh
Alumni Career Examples
Below is a small sampling of what alumni with this major have pursued, organized by the most common career fields they go into (although keep in mind that there are alumni in all eight of the career fields). You can also utilize the LinkedIn's Alumni Tool and the Maroon and Gold Network to further explore alumni career pathways and connect directly with professionals.
Click to expand each accordion panel below for opportunities pursued by alumni in this major!
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Communications Intern, the Academic Health Center, U of MN
- Communications Intern, 3M
- Translation Intern, Pioneer Bible Translators
- Social Media Intern, Team Clermont
- Intern, The Society Pages
- Performing Arts Intern, Walker Art Museum
Entry-Level
- Digital Communications Assistant, U of MN
- Social Media Consultant, Open Minds in Selangor, Malaysia
- Development and Communications Specialist, Urban Boatbuilders
Experienced
- Owner, Nth Degree Creative LLC
- Senior Technical Writer, Kovarus
- Technical Writer, Datalink
Graduate Programs
- PhD Human Language Technologies, University of Edinburgh
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Marketing Intern, Alliance Francaise de Minneapolis
- Marketing Analyst Intern, Sysco Asian Foods
- Intern, Groupon Malaysia
- Project Management Intern, LUZ, Inc
Entry-Level
- Operations Analyst, Cargill
- Global Human Resources Team, JSR Corporation
- Loan Specialist 3, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
- Commissions Coordinator and Financing Specialist, Lutheran Brotherhood Securities
- Consultant, ITI Scotland Limited
- Marketing Assistant, Roy L. Nordenstrom & Sons
- Technical Documentation Manager, Beckhoff Automation
- Customer Operations Specialist, General Mills
- Group Manager, Fingerhut
- Curriculum Developer, Digi International
Experienced
- Vice President eCommerce, Gander Mountain*
- Director of Global Customer Experience, eBay*
- VP of Learning & Leadership Development, Prudential Financial*
- Business Planning Analyst, General Mills
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Intern, Duluth Library Foundation
- Study Abroad Intern, Learning Abroad Center (UMN)
Entry-Level
- Teaching Assistant, Metro North Adult Basic Educ
- Student Services Specialist, U of MN
- Program Associate, Learning Abroad Center, Univ of MN
- Research Assistant, U of MN College of Pharmacy
- Curriculum Assistant, Law School at Univ of MN
Experienced
- Librarian, Houston Public Library*
- Adjunct Faculty, Century College*
- Director of Institutional Relations & Diversity Initiatives at Learning Abroad Center, Univ of MN*
- Sign Language Interpreter, Univ of MN
- Professor, Stanford University*
- Professor, University of California at Irvine*
- President, Youth Music Education Foundation
Graduate Programs
- M.Ed. in Second Language Education, University of Minnesota
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Legal Intern, Lehmann & Lutter, P.A.
- Diversity Intern, Met Council
- Immigration Services Intern, International Institute of Minnesota
- Research Intern, Center for Homicide Research
Entry-Level
- Claims Agent, U.S. Dept of Veteran Affairs
- Records Management Assistant, MN Dept of Transportation
Experienced
- Child Support Enforcement Agent, Ramsey County Attorney's Office
Graduate Programs
- JD, Mitchell Hamline
- Master of International Management, Thunderbird School of Global Management
- Master of Public Affairs, Humphrey School of Public Affairs