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WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN... LINGUISTICS
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lin·guis·ticsThe science of language, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and historical linguistics.
*"linguistics." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 29 Jul. 2009. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/linguistics>.
Linguistics Majors Study• The various components of language(s), such as
sounds (phonetics), structure of words (morphology), meanings (semantics), or sentence structure (syntax)
• How languages work, change, how people learn them, and how they are used
• The role of language in society• (While knowledge of a foreign language is not
required, it maybe be helpful)• How we encode, organize, and give meaning through
subjective experiences using the process of our 5 senses
• How we think and communicate verbally and non-verbally to produce results and change...And more
SpecializationsMost undergraduate programs offer only a general course of study. However, many specializations can be pursued with additional study. These include (but are not limited to):
• Applied Linguistics• Computational Linguistics• Endangered Languages• Discourse Analysis• Language Development• Linguistic Anthropology• Literature and Language• Machine Translation• Multilingualism• Neurolinguistics• Sociolinguistics
Linguistics At The University Of South
CarolinaUndergraduate Options
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (BAIS)Major: Interdisciplinary Studies (concentration in Linguistics)Minor: Linguistics
Linguistics At The University Of South
CarolinaGraduate DegreesMaster of Arts (MA)
• Linguistics
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)• Linguistics
Linguistics Majors Develop
Skills In• Analyzing and
describing language and the role of language in human experience and culture
• Knowledge of phonetics/phonology/ grammar
• Historical/comparative linguistics
• Familiarity with syntax and semantics
• Knowledge of social factors in language
• Analyzing statistical information
Linguistics Majors Develop Skills In
• Using effective verbal and written communication to convey facts, theories, and ideas
• Problem solving, conceptual, and analytical thinking
• Writing translations• Clarifying others’
thoughts and ideas• Seeing connections• Thinking critically• Arguing logically/
independently
Employment Settings• Business & Commerce:
Includes management and direction of for-profit organizations including the development of business plans, marketing strategies, product development, and human resource management.
Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Business &
Commerce• Consultant• Corporate
Communications Specialist
• Interpreter• Lawyer• Machine Translator• Marketing Specialist• Naming/Trademark/
Branding Consultant
• Public Relations Executive
• Research Analyst• Sign Language
Interpreter• Translator • Sales/Customer Service
Script Developer
Employment Settings• Computer Science/Programming:
The field includes areas such as design and engineering of computer hardware and software, sales and service, systems development and programming, and computer operations.
Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Computer
Science/Programming
• Artificial Intelligence Programmer
• Code Breaker• Programmer• Robotics Designer
• Software Developer/Test
• Sound Engineering Technician
• Voice Recognition Software Programmer
Employment Settings• Education:
Includes classroom instruction, curricula development, research, writing, administration, program management, and lecturing.
Teaching and research positions at colleges and universities require an advanced degree. Most other teaching positions require appropriate certification.
Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Education
• College/University Instructor
• Curriculum Developer• English as a Second
Language Instructor• Foreign Language
Teacher• High School Teacher
• Interpreter• Linguist• Researcher• Sign Language
Interpreter• Standardized Test
Developer• Translator
Employment SettingsGovernment & Non-Profit: • The Federal, state, or local levels of government
make use of planning, research, communication, data collection, and statistical analysis skills possessed by linguistics majors in the development and management of government controlled resources and property.
• The non-profit field may include program management, public service and social services.
• Linguistics majors are also used because of their understanding of language.
Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Government
& Non-profit
• Anthropologist• Archeologist• Code Breaker• Emergency Response
Standards Coordinator• Federal Law
Enforcement Agent
• Interpreter• Language Policy
Developer• Literacy Program
Developer• Translator
Employment Settings• Health Sciences:
Includes healing, both physical and mental, hospital/doctor’s office services, and some technician positions.
Most physician and counseling positions require the completion of a certification or advanced study program.
Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Health
Sciences• Audiologist• Medical Translator• Neurolinguist• Neurologist• Neuropsychologist/psychiatrist• Physician• Speech Pathologist/Therapist
Employment Settings• Writing, Editing, Publishing:
Includes the areas of creativity, the precise use of language, and details. Further specialization may lead to writing your own works of fact of fantasy, proofing the quality and style of someone else’s writing, or managing the logistical and business side of writing.
Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Writing,
Editing & Publishing
• Critic• Editor• Filmmaker• Grant Writer• Lexicographer
• Poet• Publisher• Speech Writer• Technical Writer• Translator
Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You
Want• Pursue an excellent
academic record• Obtain part-time, summer, or
internship work experience• Consider learning a foreign
language• Conduct undergraduate
research• Develop strong quantitative
and statistical skills
• Minor in an additional area of interest (i.E. Language, business, anthropology, computer science, education)
• Develop strong writing and speaking skills
• Secure leadership positions in campus or community groups
• Shadow the work of a professional
Resources For More InformationLinguistics Programhttp://www.cas.sc.edu/ling/
Career Center Libraryhttp://www.sc.edu/career/Library/library.html
College of Arts and Sciences Career Development Programhttp://www.sc.edu/career/la/linguistics.html
Career Center Contact Information
University of South Carolina Career Center6th Floor, H. William Close Building (BA Building)Columbia, SC 29208Phone: (803) 777-7280On-call counseling without an appointment: M - F, 1:00 am - 4:00 pm (Summer and holiday hours may differ, please check the website at www.sc/edu/career)