Introduction
Linguistics, the science of language, is an interdisciplinary field which relates to the diversity of the cultures and languages of the world. It is an integral part of most serious pursuits dealing with aspects of language study and analysis. As the boundaries of the world change, an understanding of individual languages and cultures becomes increasingly important. Communication in this complex society requires knowledge of the workings of languages, as well as their interrelationship with their respective cultures.
Why Consider a Linguistics Minor?
Students who minor in linguistics will significantly advance their appreciation of linguistic and cultural diversity, will acquire valuable intellectual skills, including analytic reasoning and argumentation, and will learn how to study language scientifically.
Student Resources
Department website: Linguistics
Contact information: Academic Department Manager, Sara Helms, Bond Hall 418D, 360-650-3914, Sara.Helms@wwu.edu
Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
Sample careers: Higher Education research and teaching: linguistics, philosophy, psychology, speech sciences, anthropology, computer science, English, modern and classical languages; K-12 Teaching (World Languages, ESL, literacy); Computer Industry (speech recognition, natural language processing, AI); Translating and Interpreting; Language documentation and fieldwork; Publishing (editing, writing); Lexicography (dictionary research and editing); Law (forensic linguistics)
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
To declare, a student must be enrolled in or have completed:
- LING 201 or LING 301 or ANTH 247 or HNRS 217 with a grade of B- or better (or permission of chair).
- Minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.
See our website for detailed instructions on how to declare, or reach out to the Linguistics Academic Department Manager.
Grade Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.
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