Linguistics
The Linguistics Bachelor of Arts program at Northwestern University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of language—its structure, use, evolution, and cognitive basis. Students study how language is formed and processed, how meaning is constructed, and how it varies across cultures and time. Drawing from disciplines such as psychology, philosophy, anthropology, and computer science, the curriculum provides tools for analyzing phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics. Through the examination of both spoken and signed languages, students explore the nature of human communication and the mental processes that underpin it.
The program balances formal linguistic theory with empirical research and applied analysis. Students engage with data from a wide variety of languages and are trained in experimental methods, fieldwork techniques, and computational modeling. Faculty mentorship and small seminar settings encourage discussion, collaboration, and independent thinking. The curriculum also emphasizes cross-linguistic comparison and the social dimensions of language, including how language reflects identity, power, and ideology. Whether studying endangered languages, language acquisition, or the interface between language and technology, students gain skills in analytical reasoning, data interpretation, and structured argumentation that prepare them for diverse academic and professional paths.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Linguistics
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 02 January 2026
- Location: Northwestern University, United States
- Field of Study: Linguistics
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations of Language Study
• Introduction to Linguistics
• Language and Society
• Phonetics and Phonology I
• Formal Methods in Linguistics
Year 2 – Core Linguistic Analysis
• Syntax I
• Semantics and Pragmatics
• Historical Linguistics
• Research Methods in Linguistics
Year 3 – Interdisciplinary Connections
• Psycholinguistics or Neurolinguistics
• Field Methods in Linguistics
• Computational Linguistics
• Seminar: Language Variation and Change
Year 4 – Specialization, Research & Capstone
• Advanced Seminar in Linguistic Theory
• Independent Research or Honors Thesis
• Language Documentation or Sociolinguistics Lab
• Senior Capstone Project
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Linguistics program bring analytical, research, and communication skills to a wide range of careers where the structure and function of language are central. Many pursue advanced study in linguistics, speech-language pathology, cognitive science, or artificial intelligence, preparing for roles in academia, clinical practice, or technology development. Others find opportunities in language education, publishing, translation, and government, where their expertise supports language policy, intercultural communication, or linguistic diversity initiatives. The program also prepares students for roles in natural language processing, UX research, and language data analysis, especially in tech companies focused on speech recognition, AI interfaces, and multilingual content. Employers across education, healthcare, law, and digital media value linguistics graduates for their attention to detail, structured problem-solving, and understanding of how language shapes human interaction and information systems.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideally suited for students who are fascinated by the structure, diversity, and function of human language and want to understand how it shapes thought, society, and communication across time and culture. Northwestern’s Linguistics program offers a rare combination of theoretical rigor and applied research, giving students the tools to decode language on both a micro and macro level. Through a flexible curriculum that encourages interdisciplinary exploration, students can tailor their studies toward interests in cognitive science, computational modeling, social justice, or endangered language preservation. Faculty members actively involve undergraduates in research, allowing them to work on real linguistic datasets, conduct fieldwork, or contribute to projects involving language processing, acquisition, or typology. The department’s emphasis on cross-linguistic inquiry and language diversity fosters a global perspective, while its focus on formal methods builds strong reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Whether you aspire to develop smarter AI, advocate for linguistic equity, explore the neurological basis of speech, or pursue teaching and research, this program offers the foundation and flexibility to support your goals. It not only trains you to analyze how language works, but also to understand why language matters—socially, cognitively, and culturally—in a world where communication is both a challenge and a bridge between human experiences.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 312 555 2040
Email: admissions@northwestern.edu
Address: University of Northwestern, 633 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60208, United States
