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Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics

Group working on Linguistics around a table

Embark on a journey of discovery with our undergraduate program in linguistics at Southern Illinois University. Delve into the captivating world of human communication, exploring the rich diversity of language and its social and psychological origins. Our program offers a focused yet comprehensive education in the liberal arts, equipping students with invaluable analytical and critical thinking skills essential for success in a multitude of fields.

Beyond the classroom, our program offers students a holistic liberal arts education, nurturing critical thinking and analytical skills essential for success in a wide array of fields. The influence of linguistics extends beyond its disciplinary boundaries, shaping diverse disciplines such as anthropology, psychology, and philosophy. Graduates emerge equipped with a versatile skill set, poised for roles as educators, writers, translators, civil servants, and community developers, or for further advanced study in linguistics or related fields.

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Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements

The Linguistics degree program can be earned by fulfilling the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree.

  • Total Degree Requirements: 120 credit hours
  • University Core Curriculum: 39 credit hours
  • College of Liberal Arts Requirements: 18 credit hours
  • Major Requirements: 33 credit hours
  • University Electives: 30 credit hours

Compass IconCheck out the undergraduate Curricular Guide, which helps you outline what courses you would want to take each semester for all four years.

Minor

Unlock the Power of Linguistics as a minor by seamlessly complementing your major. Whether you're immersed in humanities, social sciences, computer science, mathematics, education, business, or communication disorders and sciences, linguistics enhances your understanding and amplifies your skill set. Expand your academic horizons and elevate your career prospects with a linguistics minor tailored to complement your passions and aspirations.

Specialization

Discover your path where customization meets academic excellence. Tailor your coursework to match your passions through our specialized tracks. Dive into the Generalist Track for ultimate flexibility, crafting your curriculum with guidance from our expert faculty. For those eyeing graduate studies, the Theoretical Track offers a robust foundation in linguistic theory.

Alternatively, explore the unique ASL Linguistics Track, blending American Sign Language with linguistic studies to deepen your understanding of ASL's intricacies. Complete your journey with the English as a New Language (ENL) Specialization, focused on preparing students to teach English to speakers of other languages after graduation. Whatever your interest, our program empowers you to chart your course toward linguistic mastery and beyond.

Scholarships

SIU provides numerous scholarships for students majoring in Linguistics. Explore the College of Liberal Arts Scholarship page for a comprehensive list, including the esteemed Distinguished Achievement Award for Undergraduate Linguistic Majors. Additionally, funding opportunities for undergraduate research are available through the REACH Program, the McNair Scholars Program, and the Undergraduate Assistantship Program.

Careers

  • Teaching
  • Writing
  • Translation
  • Editing
  • Civil service
  • Community development
  • Linguistics research
  • Language teaching
  • Educational Administration
  • Language planning
  • Speech pathology
  • Lexicography
  • Publishing
  • Foreign service

Contact Information

Scott Collins
Interim Director
Faner Hall 3080
1000 Faner Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-536-5571
sll@siu.edu

Thomas Price,
Academic Advisor
Faner Hall 3341
1000 Faner Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-3388
tprice@siu.edu

SIU TESOL student