Linguistics

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Overview

As a linguistics major at Saint Joseph’s University, you will study how languages work, where they come from, how they are used in society, how they are learned and how they change over time. You have the option of concentrating in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

What is a Linguistics Major?

As a linguistics major at Saint Joseph’s University, you will have the opportunity to study the key areas of the field:

  • Pragmatics
  • Applied Linguistics
  • Sociolinguistics
  • Phonetics
  • Syntax
  • Psycholinguistics

Course topics range from language learning, discourse analysis and language contact to language teaching methods, forensic linguistics and speech therapy. Several linguistics classes are cross-listed in other departments, such as sociology and philosophy, allowing students to integrate the study of linguistics with other fields of interest.

Linguistics Major Concentrations

You can follow a general linguistics track, or you can choose one of the following major concentrations:

  • Speech-Language Pathology (SLP): This concentration is designed for students who would like to enter the field of speech therapy. The curriculum includes courses in speech science, speech development and disorders, communication disorders and more.
  • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL): This concentration is designed for students interested in teaching English at home or abroad. The curriculum includes an introduction to the field of linguistics, language acquisition, language teaching methods and a required internship in English language teaching.

What Can I Do with a Major in Linguistics?

As a linguistics major at Saint Joseph’s University, you will obtain the research skills, analytical abilities and language education that is critical to a wide range of industries, from education to marketing to law. Career paths available to linguistics majors include:

  • Speech therapist (major in linguistics with a concentration in SLP)
  • ESL teacher (major or minor in linguistics with a concentration in TESOL)
  • World language teacher
  • Copywriter
  • Translator or interpreter
  • Communications manager
  • Journalist
  • Marketing associate
  • Lawyer

Ways to Study Linguistics

This program is available as a major and a minor. Many students decide to double major or add minors to their studies. Common additional areas of study include:

  • Communications and Media Studies
  • Education
  • English
  • Sociology
  • Spanish

How Will Majoring in Linguistics Prepare Me for A Future Career?

Saint Joseph’s University will prepare you with an education that is future-proof, promoting a deep sense of service with and for others that will guide you in your first job after college and every role after that.

As a linguistics major, you will engage with faculty and study important questions of the field, helping to further expand your understanding of language and its use in society:

  • How do children learn to talk?
  • Why does having a stroke affect language ability?
  • Do TV shows and movies ruin the quality of modern English?
  • Why do judges consult linguists when evaluating a case?
  • Are some languages spoken faster than others?
  • Do animals speak their own language?
  • Is it possible to learn a new language after the age of 10?
Course Catalog Information

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