Undergraduate Program

Discover the science behind language.

Linguistics isn’t about learning to speak new languages. It’s about uncovering how language works. Our undergraduate courses explore the patterns, systems, and social forces that shape human communication. Whether you’re drawn to sound, meaning, technology, or culture, you’ll find a place to start here.

Our curriculum offers multiple entry points into the study of language. The 100-level courses are designed for a broad audience and explore contemporary social and cultural issues through the lens of language. These courses don’t require any prior background and introduce students to how linguists think about communication, identity, and human interaction. The 200-level and higher courses form the core of the major and minor, providing a more technical foundation in areas like syntax, phonology, and semantics. These advanced courses build on LING 110: Intro to Linguistic Analysis, the gateway course that equips students with the analytical tools needed for deeper study in linguistics.