Linguistics

Degree Options: Minor Only
Locations: Lincoln Center, Rose Hill
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Study the science of language.

With Fordham’s linguistics minor, you’ll train in the scientific study of language, developing a fuller understanding of the complexities of human communication. By completing this minor, you will develop a heightened awareness of what language is, how language works and is used, and how the study of language intersects with a multitude of disciplines.

The linguistics minor provides students with tools for studying language from diverse perspectives, and these skills complement several areas, including anthropology, biology, business, computer science, education, modern languages and literatures, neuroscience, psychology, and sociology.

Of course, you’ll learn more than linguistics here. You’ll also study philosophy, theology, history, mathematics, languages, and the arts through Fordham’s common core curriculum, the centerpiece of our liberal arts education. We want you to excel in your field—and as a human being.

  • The minor consists of six courses and is open to students in all Fordham colleges. As a linguistics minor, you’ll take:

    • Introduction to Linguistics
    • Introduction to Sociolinguistics
    • Introduction to Psycholinguistics
    • Three electives, chosen from classes like:
      • Language and Culture
      • Language, Gender, and Sexuality
      • Computer Science I
      • Introduction to Computer Programming
      • Theories of Human Communication
      • Language and Strategic Communication
      • Digital Ethnography
      • Social History of Communication and Technology
      • Chinese Linguistics
      • History of Language
      • Introduction to Logic
      • Symbolic Logic
      • Cognition
      • Adolescent and Adult Development
      • Cognitive Neuroscience
      • Spanish Linguistics

  • Students interested in pursuing internship, employment, and volunteer opportunities related to linguistics, as well as modern languages and literatures, may consider opportunities with organizations including:

    • The Endangered Language Alliance
    • Council on Foreign Relations
    • Pearson, Random House, and other publishers
    • Institute of American Language and Culture Language Exchange Program
    • Hispanic Society of America

  • A background in linguistics will prepare you for work in a variety of settings, including jobs as a:

    • Computational linguist
    • Translator
    • Forensic linguist
    • Language instructor
    • Language data analyst
    • Lexicographer
    • Speech recognition specialist
    • Editor
    • Writer

Learn More About the Linguistics Program

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