Linguistics, BA BA
Linguistics is the scientific study of language. Students of linguistics do not necessarily seek fluency in a second or third language. Instead, they study the components that make up any given language - the syntax, the grammar, the regional differences, the slang, the pronunciations, the symbols, the changes over time, how people learn a language, and more.
At UWM, Linguistics students can opt for a broad linguistics major which will touch on all aspects of language development and learning. Or, students can choose an applied linguistics major which will focus more on using the principles of linguistics in a business setting such as in the classroom to help students learn a second language, in a social service agency that deals with illiteracy, or at a software company working on search engine optimization terms.
Many students find that acquiring advanced fluency in a second or third language beyond their native tongue is helpful for understanding the commonalities and differences between languages. However, no additional foreign language is required beyond the standard requirement for Letters & Science students - four years in high school of the same language or four semesters in college of the same language.
Career Resources and Job Outcomes
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
Listed below are the requirements for the Linguistics major. In addition to the requirements for the major, students must also satisfy all university and college general degree requirements. Degree requirements will vary depending on when you took your first college class. We encourage you to consult your advisor regularly to ensure you stay on track towards earning your degree. You can read more about the degree requirements on the L&S Degree Requirements web pages.
Linguistics Major Requirements
The undergraduate major in linguistics may be obtained by pursuing either the general major option or the applied major option. Students must complete 30 credits in either the general major option or the applied major option. Students must complete at least 15 upper-division (numbered 300 and above) credits in the major in residence at UWM. The College of Letters and Science requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the major attempted at UWM. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted, including any transfer work. The College also requires students to complete a research experience in their major.
Major Options
General Linguistics Major Option
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Requirements | ||
| LINGUIS 350 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3 |
| LINGUIS 450 | Introduction to Phonetics | 3 |
| LINGUIS 461 | Introduction to Phonology | 3 |
| LINGUIS 464 | Introduction to Syntax | 3 |
| Special Requirements | ||
| Select at least three of the following: | 9 | |
| First Language Acquisition | ||
| Introduction to Second Language Acquisition | ||
| Language and Society | ||
| Semantics | ||
| Language in its Various Forms: | ||
| Historical/Comparative Linguistics | ||
| Language Typology and Language Universals | ||
| Advanced Phonology | ||
| Advanced Syntax | ||
| Morphology | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select 9 credits 1 | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
- 1
Coursework in linguistics and related areas, selected from the approved electives list (see below) in consultation with an advisor in the Linguistics program.
Applied Linguistics Major Option
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Requirements | ||
| LINGUIS 350 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3 |
| LINGUIS 420 | Introduction to Second Language Acquisition | 3 |
| LINGUIS/ANTHRO 570 | Issues in Bilingualism | 3 |
| or LINGUIS 430 | Language and Society | |
| LINGUIS 450 | Introduction to Phonetics | 3 |
| LINGUIS 461 | Introduction to Phonology | 3 |
| LINGUIS 464 | Introduction to Syntax | 3 |
| Special Requirements | ||
| Select at least two of the following: | 6 | |
| Psycholinguistics | ||
| Introduction to TESOL Methods | ||
| Language in its Various Forms: | ||
| Advanced Second Language Acquisition: | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select 6 credits 1 | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
- 1
Coursework in linguistics and related areas, selected from the approved electives list (see below) in consultation with an advisor in the Linguistics program.
Linguistics Major Approved Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| All linguistics courses not selected to meet a specific requirement in the option | ||
| All language courses (does not include literature courses) | ||
| The following courses offered by other units: | ||
| ANTHRO 105 | Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTHRO 362 | System Failure: Globalization and Language Extinction | 3 |
| ANTHRO 641 | Seminar in Anthropology: (with linguistics subtitle) | 3 |
| COMMUN 320 | Nonverbal Communication | 3 |
| COMMUN 350 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| COMSDIS 230 | Introduction to Phonetics | 4 |
| COMSDIS 240 | Normal Speech and Language Development | 3 |
| COMPSCI 132 | Introduction to Computers and Programming | 3 |
| COMPSCI 423 | Introduction to Natural Language Processing | 3 |
| COMPSCI 431 | Programming Languages Concepts | 3 |
| ENGLISH 211 | Aspects of the English Language: | 3 |
| ENGLISH/LINGUIS 400 | Introduction to English Linguistics | 3 |
| ENGLISH 402 | Theories of Language and Literature: (with language focus) | 3 |
| ENGLISH 403 | Survey of Modern English Grammar | 3 |
| FRENCH 392 | Phonetics | 3 |
| GERMAN 371 | German Phonetics | 3 |
| PHILOS 211 | Elementary Logic | 3 |
| PHILOS 212 | Modern Deductive Logic | 3 |
| PHILOS 511 | Symbolic Logic | 3 |
| PHILOS 516 | Language and Meaning | 3 |
| PHILOS 517 | Special Problems in the Philosophy of Language and Linguistics: | 3 |
| SPANISH 341 | Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics | 3 |
| SPANISH 444 | Spanish Syntax and Morphology | 3 |
| SPANISH 541 | History of the Spanish Language | 3 |
Letters & Science Advising
During your time at UWM, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors and success coaches. Letters & Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional college advisors and faculty advisors. L&S college advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental faculty advisors focus on the major.
College advisors are located in Holton Hall (or virtually for online students) and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College advisors will:
- Assist you in defining your academic and life goals.
- Help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals.
- Assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures.
- Provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate.
- Monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.
Faculty advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a faculty advisor when you declare your major. Faculty advisors are an important partner and will:
- Help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department.
- Explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences.
- Serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.
Students are encouraged to meet with both their college advisor and faculty advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video.
Currently enrolled students should use the Navigate360 website to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven't enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.
We encourage you to begin exploring career options when you declare your major or at the start of your sophomore year, whichever comes first.