Linguistics

Program overview

The Linguistics major introduces students to the scientific study of language. Students explore central aspects of linguistic structure as they come to master the questions, methodologies, and perspectives of the field. Areas of study include:

Phonology and phonetics, the sound systems of particular languages and the physical properties of language sounds
Psycholinguistics, the cognitive mechanisms used in producing and perceiving language
Syntax, the rules that combine words into larger units of phrases and sentences
Semantics, the study of the meanings of linguistic units and how they are combined to form the meanings of sentences or conversations

Learning Experience

Study and Research Opportunities

B.A. and minor programs in linguistics
B.A./M.A. pathway in linguistics
M.A. and Ph.D. programs in theoretical linguistics
Opportunities to study abroad through UCEAP and the Global Learning Office
The Undergraduate Research Fellows in Linguistics and Language Science (URFLLS) experiential learning program
Additional undergraduate research opportunities available through the Linguistics Department and through the Humanities Division
Short videos about our programs:
- Undergraduate majors offered by the Linguistics Department
- Why don't we say what we mean?

First-Year Requirements

High school students who plan to major in linguistics at UC Santa Cruz are not required to have any special background in linguistics. However, they will find it useful to begin study of a foreign language in high school and complete more than the minimum courses in science and mathematics.

Find more information on first-year requirements

Transfer Requirements

This is a non-screening major. Transfer students who intend to major in linguistics should complete two collegiate years of one foreign language. Alternatively, transferable courses in statistics or computer science can also help fulfill the major’s lower division requirements. In addition, students will find it helpful to have completed general education requirements.

While it is not a condition of admission, students from California community colleges may complete the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) in preparation for transfer to UC Santa Cruz.

Find more information on transfer requirements

Learning Outcomes

Linguistics courses build scientific skills in data analysis and humanistic skills in logical argumentation and clear writing, providing an excellent foundation for a wide range of careers.

Students attain a sophisticated understanding of how human languages work, and of the theories that explain language structure and use.

Students learn:

• to analyze data and discover patterns in it,

• to propose and test hypotheses to explain those patterns,

• to build and modify theories about how language works.

Finally, students learn to express their thinking in writing that is clear, precise, and logically organized.

For more information about learning outcomes, see linguistics.ucsc.edu/undergraduate/undergrad-plos.html.

Internships and Career Opportunities

Language engineering
Information processing: computer science and computer technology, information sciences, library science
Data analytics
Speech technology: speech synthesis and speech recognition
Advanced study in linguistics or in related fields
(such as experimental psychology or language or child development)
Education: educational research, bilingual education
Teaching: English, English as a second language, other languages
Speech-language pathology
Law
Translation and Interpretation
Writing and editing
These are only samples of the field’s many possibilities.

Program Contact

Linguistics Program

Stevenson 241
ling@ucsc.edu
(831) 459-4988

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