Linguistics Major (HBA)
Admissions Category: Social Sciences & Humanities
Program Overview
Linguistics is the study of language; it examines the construction of language and the mechanics of speech, and attempts to explain why language varies in humans. The Major Program in Linguistics is designed to help students prepare for entry into professional programs in areas with a significant language component, such as speech language pathology, education, and language teaching.
Complementary Programs:
Psychology Women and Gender Studies.
Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:
Competencies & Skills
- Analyze and identify patterns
- Apply methodologies from many disciplines
- Communicate with people from many backgrounds
- Evaluate evidence
- Listen and read for meaning and social use
- Relate language to social context
- Understand historical language change
Careers for Graduates
- Writer/Editor in Media and Publishing
- Research Associate in Marketing Agencies
- Communications Assistant in Public Relations
- Survey Analyst in Marketing and Advertising
- Education Policy Analyst in Government Services
- Foreign Service or Immigration Officer
Further Education
- Linguistics
- Speech Language Pathology
- Communicative Disorders
- Education
- Journalism
- Law School
- Paralegal Studies
- Public Relations
- Marketing
Program Pathway
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4
Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 1.0 credit as follows: , .
- 1.0 credit in one or more languages, which may include , or ; ECT, FRE or LGG courses; or language courses at another campus; or or (taken in year 2 or 3 as they have prerequisites).
- Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Schedule an appointment with your for in-depth research assistance with your assignments.
- Get writing support at the CTL Writing Centre.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the Professor/Graduate Student Mix & Mingles to meet many of the professors & TAs you will encounter as you progress through your degree.
- Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning and Work-Integrated Learning opportunities on .
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Get involved with the Linguistics Student Association (LSA); also explore other relevant student clubs and activities on campus.
- Volunteer in DSL鈥檚 Alternative Reading Week program to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Volunteer with organizations to explore your interest in industries related to your program of study; check listings on (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Attend the in September and register with SCSU鈥檚 to explore opportunities.
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- Take , , and .
- 0.5 credit from: , , (can also be taken in year 3).
- Use to plan your courses and program.
- Meet with your Program Advisor to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Further develop your general academic skills by attending workshops offered by the and Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL).
- Consider enrolling in if you have an interest in research or research based applications.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Get involved in relevant opportunities on and/or off campus; apply to Work Study, or other part-time and summer jobs on (>Jobs & Recruitment).
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Look into volunteering or working overseas to expand your network through International Student Centre鈥檚 (ISC) Global Learning programs.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
- Explore careers through the AA&CC鈥檚 and programs.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 4.0 further credits in LIN and/or PLI, of which at least 2.0 credits must be at the C- or D-level (check Linguistics program website for further details).
- Use to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Consider competing for the UTSC Library or .
- Volunteer in the Computation and Psycholinguistics Laboratory (CAP Lab) of the Centre for French and Linguistics (CFL).
Apply Theory to Practice
- Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, , DSL and the .
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Consider running for an elected position in the Linguistics Student Association (LSA).
- Volunteer with DSL as a First Year Peer Advisor.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Plan a career path with a staff member at the .
- Check for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
- Attend the in September.
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- Continue to fulfill the additional 2.0 credits in any LIN, PLI, JAL or JLP courses mentioned in year 3.
- Ensure you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
- Use to ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Register your 鈥淚ntent to Graduate鈥 on by the deadline.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Apply for an Academic Travel Fund via DSL to research, present at a conference, or engage with the international academic community.
- Consider taking in an Independent Study Course which will allow you to work closely with a faculty member on a project.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for summer and full-time positions relevant to your field.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Participate in the AA&CC鈥檚 program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
- Participate in the LSA鈥檚 Wug Life Initiative, an outreach program that introduces high school students to the fields of Linguistics and Psycholinguistics.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Attend the AA&CC鈥檚 job search conference in April/May.
- Attend the orientation for a job search 鈥渃rash course鈥; find job opportunities on .
- Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the .
Glossary
- AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
- CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
- CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
- CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (/ctl)
- DSL - Department of Student Life (/studentlife)
- LSA 鈥 Linguistics Student Association (/dls/linguistics-student-association)
- SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)
Departmental Contact
Phone: 416-287-7125
/dls/welcome-department-language-studies
Language Studies Librarian
K-Lee Fraser
E-mail: klee.fraser@utoronto.caLocation: ARC main floor
Linguistics Student Association
/dls/linguistics-student-association
Academic Advising & Career Centre
Phone: 416-287-7561
Department of Student Life
Phone: 416-208-4760
Did You Know?
There are estimated to be over 6500-7000 spoken languages in the world.