What is Linguistics?

Linguistics is the scientific study of language. Linguists endeavor to understand the nature of human language by examining its underlying structure, from its smallest inception -the sounds involved in making speech - all the way to its much larger properties - the ways in which people use language in society. Linguists investigate such properties either by focusing on a particular language or by searching for general properties common to all languages. The field is exceptionally diverse with connections to many other disciplines, such as Anthropology, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Philosophy, Psychology, Speech-Hearing-and Language Science, and many foreign languages. Our major and minor is designed to take advantage of this variety by providing students with a solid foundation in the basics of the field, yet still allowing enough flexibility so that  students can choose a career path designed to meet their particular linguistic interests.

To make an appointment with an advisor:

The undergraduate advising office in Linguistics is located in the Communications Bldg. Room # 114G. If you would like to call, the phone number is (520) 626-5418. Questions regarding undergraduate advising specific to the major or minor may also be emailed to ling.ugadv@gmail.com or you may Schedule an Advising Appointment to meet with someone in person. If your questions pertain to general education requirements, please contact the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences academic advisors at 520-626-0606.

Program Requirements:

Major Requirements

Students must complete the General Education and other degree requirements applicable to the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and an additional 30 units of major coursework. Half of the major courses must be upper division (15 units).

The required major core courses are:

LING 201 (Introduction to Language; a prerequisite for most courses)
LING 300 (Introduction to Syntax)
LING 315 (Introduction to Phonology)

21 units of linguistics electives, an optional 9 of which may be from coursework in a less commonly taught language (Spanish, French, and German do not apply, but most others do - including the Classics and ASL).

Students are strongly encouraged to participate in Independent Studies in order to engage in current research in the field. Up to 6 units of Independent Study may be applied to the major as linguistics electives (including Honors Theses).

Minor requirements

Students must complete 18 units of minor coursework, half of which must
be upper-division (9 units).

LING 201 (Introduction to Language; a prerequisite for most courses and required for all minors)

Two of the following 4 core courses are required for the minor:

LING 300 (Introduction to Syntax)
LING 314 (Phonetics)
LING 310 (Linguistics Typology)
LING 315 (Introduction to Phonology)

9 additional linguistics electives are also required.

Useful links:

PDF of Program Requirements and Linguistic Courses

Linguistics Courses at the U of A