Degree Requirements
Students must complete the General Education and other degree requirements applicable to the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and an additional 39 units of major coursework depending on the year admitted. Beginning in the fall of 2027, the total required units will be reduced from 39 to 33. Please consult with the linguistics advisor to see if you are required to take 39 or 33 units.
Core (18 units)
To begin the major you must start with LING201(Introduction to Linguistics). This is the prerequisite course to all other core classes, except LING320 (Sociolinguistics). After LING201, you should take LING300 (Syntax), LING314 (Phonetics), LING315 (Phonology), LING364 (Semantics) and LING320 (Sociolinguistics).
Emphasis-Specific Courses (21 units)
See an advisor to discuss requirements and course options for your chosen track. Each track has required and elective courses:
- General Linguistics (GELE) - ideal for students who want breadth
- 3 units of LING Independent Study
- 18 units of LING electives
- Linguistics & Languages (LILA) - ideal for students who love learning languages
- 3-9 units of a less commonly taught language (does not have to be the same language)
- 12-18 units of LING electives
- Academic/Professional Linguistics (APLI) - ideal for students who are preparing for grad school or want extra depth
- 3 units of LING independent study
- 3 units of an advanced that follows from a 300-level core course prerequisite
- 6 units of 400-level LING coursework
- 9 units of LING electives
Starting in Fall 2027, the required number of LING elective courses will be reduced. Please consult with the linguistics advisor for more information.