the department offers a broad range of courses that provide a basic understanding of human language and communication. linguistics courses examine features of language that underlie the human capacity to express concepts and communicate ideas. the courses address the connections between language, brain, culture, mind, and history. the major gives students a basic understanding of the human capacity to acquire, perceive, and produce language and of language’s role in contemporary society.

linguistics is a superb preparation for careers that require expertise in the use of language as a means of communication, e.g., business, communications, personnel administration, teaching, health care, and social service. many majors pursue graduate study in education, law, psychology, computer science, speech and hearing sciences and languages.