Are you curious about language and how it is acquired and developed? Consider a Linguistics major and delve into a fascinating subject.
Why Study Linguistics?
Studying linguistics gives you insight into an important aspect of human knowledge and behavior. As a Linguistics major, you'll study many aspects of human language, including sounds, words, sentences and meaning.
You'll examine how languages change over time and vary from situation to situation, group to group and place to place; how people acquire, learn and use language; and how people process language.
The study of linguistics provides you with training in analytical thinking, problem solving and written and oral communication – skills highly sought by employers in many fields.
Why Study Linguistics at CSUN?
Committed to Your Success
We are committed to each student's success and are focused on equity and inclusion. Our faculty members are dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service, with the knowledge that an appreciation of linguistic and cultural diversity is a crucial aspect of an inclusive society.
In-depth Curriculum
You'll choose from a large group of interdisciplinary elective courses, tailored to meet your specific interests and career goals. In addition, you'll complete two semesters of a foreign language, which will help you discover patterns and gain insights.
Study Abroad
The California State University International Programs offer eligible students the opportunity to study abroad in one of 18 countries, including at several universities in Spain and Mexico.
What You'll Learn
Our major program will give you a fundamental understanding of such core fields as syntax, phonetics, phonology, semantics and pragmatics and morphology. You'll select core courses such as:
- Approaches to Linguistic Analysis
- Language Development and Acquisition
- Language, Gender, and Identity
- Sociolinguistics
In consultation with your advisor, you'll choose from a range of interdisciplinary elective courses, such as:
- Language and the Law
- Bilingualism in the U.S.
- Intercultural Communication
- Structure of American Sign Language
- Cognitive Psychology
- Philosophy of Language
Careers & Outcomes
Linguistics majors are well equipped for a variety of careers and graduate-level and professional programs. Below are sample job areas where our graduates work.
Job Areas
- Publishing
- Lexicography
- Test design
- Consulting
- Translation and interpreting
- Information technology
- Government Service
- Advertising and marketing