Linguistics

Degree: Bachelor of Arts


What is Linguistics?

Linguistics is the study of language, how people use it, and what rules govern that use. Just as chemists examine elements in seeking clues to the structure of matter, linguists analyze data from languages and observe behavior of speakers in attempting to formulate principles that govern people's knowledge and use of their language.


What are the features of Miami's program?

Interdisciplinary approach: The linguistics major emphasizes interdisciplinary study, with half of the required hours consisting of basic linguistics courses from the Department of English and the remainder consisting of more specialized linguistics courses in such areas as foreign languages, systems analysis, anthropology, psychology, education, and communications.

Study abroad: A joint effort of the Department of English and Office of International Education, Miami's newest semester abroad program gives students the opportunity to study in any of the 22 departments at Royal Holloway, University of London during the fall or spring semester or for an entire academic year.


Are there special admission requirements?

There are no admission requirements for this program.


What course would I take?

In your first year, you will begin with introductory linguistic courses and a beginning systems analysis course. You will also choose related courses from English, Spanish, German, communication, psychology, and systems analysis. During this time, you will concentrate on the Miami Plan, a well-rounded course of study that provides you with an excellent liberal arts education. Through the Miami Plan, you will get a solid base in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, fine arts, and formal reasoning.

During your sophomore and junior year, you will concentrate on more advanced language courses, as well as a mix of related courses from several departments. And you will continue with the Miami Plan.

In your senior year, you will take a capstone course, which summarizes your undergraduate studies in linguistics, and you will complete your requirements for the linguistics major.


What can I do with this major?

Linguistics graduates have excellent analytic skills and are therefore qualified for many careers. Miami graduates are working in literacy programs, advertising, machine translation, missionary work, lexicography, and computer programming. Others are employed by the government in cross-cultural centers, the Peace Corps, the U.S. Information Agency, and in urban and bilingual education programs. Some majors who obtained teacher certification in English or a foreign language are working in schools both in the United States and abroad. Still others have enrolled in graduate schools to continue their linguistics studies or work toward degrees in business or law.


Who can I contact for more information?

For general information about Miami University, please contact:

Office of Admission
301 S. Campus Ave.
Miami University
Oxford, OH 45056-3434
513-529-2531 (v/t)
www.muohio.edu/requestinfo

For specific information on the Linguistics major, please contact:

Department of English
356 Bachelor Hall
Miami University
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-5221
www.muohio.edu/english