FAQs about the Linguistics Major
What can you do with a linguistics major?
Because linguistics trains you to analyze patterns, structure, and meaning in language, graduates go on to careers in speech-language pathology, computational linguistics and natural language processing (NLP), language teaching (ESL/EFL and beyond), publishing and editing, translation and interpretation, forensic linguistics, user experience (UX) research and design, tech industry roles at companies like Google and Amazon, law, market research, and graduate study in linguistics, cognitive science, or related fields. The analytical and communication skills you build train you to pay close attention to data, rigorous argumentation, and cross-cultural fluency – exactly what employers across industries are looking for. For more ideas on how to connect your degree to a career, check out the Linguistics Society of America‘s website, particularly videos on their Career Launch hub.
Do I need to take a foreign language?
While taking foreign language courses is not required for the major, we do encourage our students to study at least one language of their choice in order to broaden their knowledge of the world’s languages. If a student chooses to study a less-commonly taught language that is a non-Romance/non-Germanic language (e.g. NOT Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, or Italian), they may receive elective credit towards the major. They must take two consecutive semesters of the same language to receive elective credit. The maximum number of credits from language study that may be applied to the major is 6 credits.
For example, if a student take CHI1130 (Beginner Chinese 1) in Fall semester and then takes CHI1131 in Spring semester, they will receive 6 credits towards their Linguistics major electives.
Examples of languages that qualify are: Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Swahili, Vietnamese, Hungarian, Czech, Russian, Hindi, Akan, Wolof, Xhosa, Yoruba (see the offerings from the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures), and American Sign Language (through the Department of Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences). Language courses cannot be taken S/U. We do not honor proficiency in a language if you do not have the language courses on your transcript. For instance, if you are a native speaker of Chinese, you will not get 6 credits towards the major.
How do I sign up for independent study or senior thesis? I cannot find this on ONE.UF.
Complete the Request for Individual Study (LIN 4905) or Request for Honors Thesis (LIN 4970), and have your mentor sign it. The description should mention what you will be doing and what you will be graded on. Give the form to the linguistics Undergraduate Coordinator before the end of the drop/add period. We will register you in ONE.UF.
Please see our Research page for more information on how to find a topic or mentor, and on the senior thesis.
Which minors are good to combine with a LIN major?
This depends on your interests and focus. Most common are: a language minor (e.g. Chinese, Spanish), Teaching English as a Second Language, African Studies, Communication Disorders, Psychology, Education, Business, and Computer Science.
Can you dual/double major with LIN?
Yes! Many of our students choose to major in Linguistics alongside another major. Students often double major in Spanish (or other language degrees), Psychology, Political Science or Computer Science. We recommend talking with a CLAS advisor about these options.
Can you combine a bachelors with a masters?
Yes, our 4+1 program allows bachelors students to earn an MA in Linguistics with just one additional year. Learn more about this option and how to apply.
What are the requirements for transfer students?
Transfer students are asked to complete two years of a foreign language (with a preference for non-Romance, non-Germanic languages). Intro Linguistics or other language-related coursework is also preferred. See the CLAS advising website for more info. Linguistics is also a Going Gator major – admission into the major from Santa Fe, Florida Gateway College, and the College of Central Florida is guaranteed if requirements are met.
How can I best prepare for admission to a graduate program in Linguistics?
Graduate programs in linguistics often look for students with a strong foundation in linguistics structure (at least syntax and phonology), research experience, and a strong writing sample. Completing an independent study or a senior thesis with a faculty member can be good ways to accomplish this. We recommend consulting with the department’s undergraduate or graduate coordinator to discuss your plans and interests.
What are good study abroad programs for a linguistics major?
While the department does not currently administer any study abroad programs, many of our students take advantage of the dozens of options UF provides. The Program Search function on the International Center’s Study Abroad website allows you to search by discipline to find linguistics-focused options. Before you make a decision, consult with our undergraduate coordinator about course equivalency if transfer credits are part of your goal.