UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
Linguistics is the scientific study of the nature of human language and the characteristics of particular languages. It is a field with close ties to many areas of study, such as English, foreign languages, psychology, sociology, anthropology, philosophy, history, mathematics, and speech and language pathology; majors may emphasize any one or more of these areas. As a linguistics major, you stress verbal and analytical abilities. You become adept at noticing what people say, sensitive to the choices implicit in this, and aware of the significance of these choices.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
(effective Fall 2007)
B.A. in Linguistics
1. General requirements for the B.A. degree at Michigan State University are 120 credits, including a 4-credit writing course, 26 credits of Integrative Studies, and two cognates of 12 credits each. One of the cognates must be in a field outside the College of Arts and Letters; the other cognate can be in a field either inside or outside the College of Arts and Letters. For details see the Michigan State University Academic Programs Catalog on line at: http://www.reg.msu.edu/ucc/academicPrograms.asp.
2. Requirements for Major in Linguistics:
Complete 32 to 38 credits of the following Linguistics courses:
(1) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
| LIN 200 | Introduction to Language | 3 |
| LIN 401 | Introduction to Linguistics | 4 |
(2) All of the following courses (17 credits):
| LIN 424 | Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology | 3 |
| LIN 431 | Introduction to Morphology | 3 |
| LIN 434 | Introduction to Syntax | 3 |
| LIN 437 | Semantics and Pragmatics | 3 |
| LIN 441 | Historical Linguistics | 3 |
| LIN 499 | Senior Thesis Research (W) | 2 |
The completion of Linguistics 499 satisfies the capstone course requirement for the Linguistics major.
(3) Linguistics electives: Additional credits in Linguistics courses as needed to meet the requirement of at least 32, but not more than 38, credits in courses in the major.
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Minor in Linguistics
1. The academic minor in Linguistics will provide a minimum foundation in the field; general knowledge and basic findings and theories in one of the core areas of phonetics-phonology or syntax; and knowledge of one or two subfields selected according to the interest of the student. The academic minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor's degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics. With the approval of the department and college that administers the student's degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor's degree. Students who plan to complete the requirements of the minor should consult the Linguistics undergraduate adviser, Prof. Alan Beretta.
2. Requirements for Minor in Linguistics:
Complete a minimum of 15 credits from the following:
(1) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
| LIN 200 | Introduction Language | 3 |
| LIN 401 | Introduction to Linguistics | 4 |
(2) Both of the following courses (6 credits):
| LIN 424 | Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology | 3 |
| LIN 434 | Introduction to Syntax | 3 |
(3) Complete an additional 6 credits in linguistics courses as approved by the academic adviser. No more than 3 credits of Linguistics 490 Independent Study may be counted towards this requirement.
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AFTER GRADUATION
With a degree in linguistics, you can pursue careers in all the fields with which linguistics is allied. Government and nonprofit language research institutions, school systems, social service organizations, and the computer and communications industries all employ linguists. Graduates of our program pursue careers in all fields for which a broad liberal education is practical. Many become language teachers and editors, others are employed in various communication and information fields. If you are particularly interested in teaching English as a second language, international employment opportunities are available to you. Colleges and universities also appoint linguists to teaching and research positions.
If you choose to pursue graduate studies, you are not limited to linguistics. Past graduates of our program have pursued graduate studies in foreign languages, psychology, audiology, philosophy, anthropology, and computer sciences. Our faculty are knowledgeable about opportunities for graduate study and are always ready to assist you in your search for such programs.
