WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN... LINGUISTICS

www.sc.edu/career

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)