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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Bachelors
Major
Language Acquisition | Linguistics | Translation
Area of study
Langauges
Course Language
English
About Program

Program Overview


Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics

Program Overview

Gain insight into how we interact with others through the study of linguistics. You will develop essential problem-solving, critical-thinking and clarity-of-expression skills by understanding the intricacies of language structure and use.


Foundational groundwork that focuses on the history, structure, function and evolution of language will prepare you for careers in areas like public relations, education, machine learning, speech pathology, translation, technical writing, publishing and foreign services with a bachelor’s in linguistics from the University at Albany.


Program of Study

With introductory courses that involve linguistics, syntax and phonology, you will build a deep understanding of language structure, word arrangement, the system of sounds and more. Later in the program, you will understand how to collect and analyze field data while working directly with others who speak foreign languages.


To further diversify proficiency, you will also study a second language of a different structure, making you a more valuable candidate to potential employers. Through the program sequence you will need to take one year of a foreign non-Indo-European language as a major requirement to demonstrate foreign language competence.


Required Courses

  • Introduction to Linguistics
  • Introduction to Syntax
  • Introduction to Phonology
  • Advanced Syntax or Advanced Phonology
  • Field Methods in Anthropological Linguistics
  • One year of a non-Indo-European foreign language OR Linguistic Structures

Language Requirement

You are required to demonstrate competence in a foreign language equivalent to two years of study of skill courses in a foreign language at the college level.


Electives (Sample courses)

  • Sociolinguistics
  • Language and Culture
  • Historical and Comparative Linguistics
  • Structure of English Words
  • Introduction to Logic
  • Philosophy of Language
  • Introduction to Computer Science
  • Elementary Statistics
  • Studies in Communication Theory
  • Psychology and Language
  • Memory and Cognition
  • Data Structures
  • Comprehension & Pronunciation of French
  • French Linguistics: Morphology and Syntax
  • Spanish Phonetics and Phonology
  • Spanish Linguistics: Morphology and Syntax
  • Evolution of the Spanish Language

Applied Learning

Qualified students will have the option to apply for the Honors track within the major. The Honors track provides access to higher-level courses like the honors thesis, a project that students complete under the supervision of a faculty member.


In addition to doing your own research in the Field Methods in Anthropological Linguistics course, you will have the opportunity to work with faculty on joint research projects and presentations at national meetings.


Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Option

You can save time and money by beginning your graduate degree coursework while still enrolled as an undergraduate student. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, will count towards both degrees – so you’ll complete your combined program in only 5 years and spend less than you would if you completed each program separately.


Combine your Linguistics degree with the MS in Information Science program. This ALA-accredited master's program covers a broad range of interdisciplinary topics related to library science, information processing, information management and data analysis.


Career Outcomes

The bachelor’s in linguistics program at the University at Albany gives you the experience you need to confidently succeed in fields that require analytical, communication and research skills like technology, academia, publishing and government.


Potential job titles for a linguistics degree include:


  • Speech and language therapist
  • Teaching English as a second language
  • Translator
  • Copy editor
  • Technical writer
  • Lexicographer
  • Foreign language teacher
  • Artificial Intelligence computational linguists

Student Learning Objectives

Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.


Bachelor of Arts


  • Acquire ability to collect data from a primary source (native speaker) and analyze it using techniques learned from previous coursework.
  • Acquire ability to effectively collect linguistic data from secondary sources such as grammars, dictionaries, other linguistic sources.
  • Acquire oral and written presentation skills to present linguistic analysis.
  • Understand and critically evaluate descriptions of grammatical structure from the linguistic literature.
  • Understands basic principles, assumptions and terminology used in major sub-areas: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, acquisition and sociolinguistics, and apply this knowledge to analysis of data within theoretical frameworks for phonological, morphological and syntactic analyses and their applications and contributions.

Program Outline

The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication skills through the study of various aspects of language, including:

  • History: The evolution of language over time.
  • Function: How language is used in different contexts.
  • The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in various fields, including:
  • Public relations
  • Education
  • Machine learning
  • Speech pathology
  • Translation
  • Technical writing
  • Publishing
  • Foreign services

Outline:

The BA Linguistics program consists of a total of 120 credits, including:

  • General Education Requirements: These courses provide a foundation in various disciplines, such as mathematics, science, humanities, and social sciences.
  • Linguistics Core Courses: These courses introduce students to the fundamental concepts of linguistics, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics.
  • Linguistics Electives: Students can choose from a variety of electives to specialize in specific areas of interest, such as historical linguistics, psycholinguistics, or computational linguistics.
  • Foreign Language Courses: Students must demonstrate proficiency in at least one foreign language.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

  • Exams: Midterm and final exams for each course.
  • Papers: Essays and research papers on various topics related to linguistics.
  • Presentations: Presentations of research findings or linguistic analyses.
  • Participation: Active participation in class discussions and activities.

Teaching:

The BA Linguistics program is taught by a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members with expertise in various areas of linguistics. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, group projects, and independent research.


Careers:

Graduates of the BA Linguistics program are well-prepared for careers in a variety of fields. Some potential career paths include:

  • Speech and language therapist: Helping individuals with communication disorders.
  • Teaching English as a second language: Teaching English to non-native speakers.
  • Translator: Translating written or spoken materials from one language to another.
  • Technical writer: Creating technical documents, such as manuals and user guides.
  • Lexicographer: Creating and maintaining dictionaries and other language resources.
  • Foreign language teacher: Teaching foreign languages at the elementary, secondary, or college level.
  • Artificial Intelligence computational linguists: Developing and applying language-related technologies in artificial intelligence systems.

Other:

  • Honors Track: Qualified students can apply for the Honors track, which provides access to higher-level courses and research opportunities.
  • Accelerated Master's Program: Students can combine their undergraduate studies with the MS in Information Science program to earn both degrees in five years.
  • Study Abroad: Students have the opportunity to study abroad and gain international experience.
  • Undergraduate Research: Students can participate in research projects with faculty members.
  • Student Learning Objectives: The program has clearly defined learning objectives that students are expected to achieve.
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