Introduction
This interdisciplinary major combines the study of language with the study of English literature and of writing studies. The study of linguistics will provide an understanding of social, political, cultural, historical, and economic factors that affect peoples and their languages and will provide students with the tools to apply the findings of linguistic analysis in a broader context. Studies in English engage students in diverse literary heritages as well as fostering the development of sophisticated abilities in critical analysis, creative inquiry, reflective reading, and effective communication and expression.
Why Consider a Linguistics Major?
The Linguistics and English – Multilingual Education Concentration with Teaching Endorsement Options major focuses on the study of linguistics, language, and literacy, literatures in historical and cultural, composition and rhetoric, and creative writing. Majors take a range of courses that provide a solid foundation for someone interested in teaching English at the secondary level or teaching ELL/Multilingual Education at the P-12 level.
The Linguistics and English – Multilingual Education Concentration with Teaching Endorsement Options major leads to a baccalaureate degree without teacher certification. To receive a recommendation for state of Washington teacher certification with an English Language Arts endorsement, students must complete all major courses, pass the NES exam for English language arts, and complete a teacher certification program offered by a Department of Secondary Education as one of the following:
- A part of the undergraduate baccalaureate degree.
- A post-baccalaureate program.
- A part of the Master in Teaching program.
This major also prepares students for an Additional Endorsement in ELL and/or Multilingual Education (P-12). Five additional credits of Multilingual coursework (MLE 445) must be taken beyond the major to complete the endorsement.
Student Resources
Department website: Linguistics
Contact information: Academic Department Manager, Sara Helms, Bond Hall 418D, 360-650-3914, Sara.Helms@wwu.edu
- English Education Advisor: Anthony Celaya, Humanities 349, 360-650-3603, Anthony.Celaya@wwu.edu
- MLE Advisors: Jennifer Green, MH 304D, 360-650-2395, Jennifer.Green@wwu.edu
- Secondary Education Program Manager: Janna Cecka, 360-650-3347, Janna.Cecka@wwu.edu
- Teacher Education Admission: Miller Hall 254F, 360-650-6161, wce.wwu.edu/admissions/contact
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: Education (teaching or administrating), Multilingual or English Language Learner specialist, K-12 Language and Literacy specialist, higher education research and teaching, Graduate work in Linguistics, English, or ELL/Multilingual Education.
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Category of Major : Major with minimum requirements
Meet with the Linguistic Department Advisor Sara Helms to declare this major. Meet with Secondary English Education Advisor Anthony Celaya to discuss the Secondary ELA Endorsement. Meet with the MLE Advisor Jennifer Green to discuss the ELL/Multilingual endorsement.
The prerequisites for declaring the major are 60 credits completed and ENG 202 and LING 201.
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. Courses required for a state teaching endorsement must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
