Major in English, Linguistics Concentration

Are you curious about how language works—how we learn it, use it, and shape it to connect with others? The Linguistics concentration lets you explore the science behind human language, with a special focus on English and how it's used in the real world. You’ll dive into big questions about how people acquire language, how meaning is created, and how language reflects identity, culture, and society. Along the way, you’ll learn how to analyze language using tools from across the humanities, social sciences, and even natural sciences.

This concentration is a great fit for students interested in language learning and teaching (especially English as an additional language), as well as those drawn to writing, literature, education, or communication. Whether you’re planning to go on to grad school or looking for a career where strong analytical skills and clear communication matter, studying linguistics will give you the tools to understand and work with language in powerful ways. 

Learning Objectives

Linguistics students will complete the learning objectives set for all English majors, plus one that is specific to this concentration:

1. Critically analyze varied texts, individually and in community, informed by the methods employed in English studies. 

2. Examine how texts are created and interact with local and global systems. 

3. Craft written work informed by the genres and methods in English studies and adapted to audience and context. 

4. Inquire into and demonstrate intellectual growth in the disciplines of English.

Plus:

5. Be able to analyze and interpret empirical language data using linguistic theory and methodological tools in order to investigate how language is structured, acquired, and used across social and cultural contexts.

Effective Fall 2026

For graduation, an English major must attain a minimum grade point average of 2.000 in all Composition (CO) and English (E) courses. Students may enroll in either the standalone major or (at most) one of the concentrations under the Major in English.

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Students must demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language at the intermediate (200-level) or higher, whether through coursework or placement. Students are encouraged to pursue additional language study, but it is not required. Students without prior experience in another language may begin at the first-year level and continue through the second year to meet the requirements.

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Select Upper-Division English/Composition electives in consultation with advisor.

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Select enough elective credits to bring the program total to 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper-division (300- to 400-level).

*Distinctive Requirements for Degree Program:
For graduation, an English major must attain a minimum grade point average of 2.000 in all Composition (CO) and English (E) courses.