Linguistics

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 English English Chinese Translation Sociology Anthropology 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

1.0 credit as follows: LINA01H3, LINA02H3.
1.0 credit in one or more languages, which may include LINB60H3, LINB62H3 or LINC61H3; ECT, FRE or LGG courses; or language courses at another campus; LINB60H3 or LINB62H3 or LINC61H3 (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 Program Librarian 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 CLNx.

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’s 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 CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with SCSU’s Volunteer Network Program to explore opportunities.

Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely

Take LINB04H3, LINB06H3, and LINB09H3.
0.5 credit from: LINB10H3, LINB20H3, LINC12H3 (can also be taken in year 3).
Use Degree Explorer 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 Academic Advising & Career Centre and Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL).
Consider enrolling in LINB98H3 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 CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Look into volunteering or working overseas to expand your network through International Student Centre’s (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’s Job Shadowing and In The Field 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 Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Consider competing for the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize or Poster Forum.
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, student groups, DSL and the AA&CC.

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 AA&CC.
Check CLNx for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair 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 Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN 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 Summer & Full-time Job Fair 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’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
Participate in the LSA’s 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’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
Attend the Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course”; find job opportunities on CLNx.
Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.

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 (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
LSA – Linguistics Student Association (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/dls/linguistics-student-association)
SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)

Contacts

English and Chinese Translation Librarian
Sean Ramrattan
sean.ramrattan@utoronto.ca
416-287-7125
https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/dls/welcome-department-language-studies
Linguistics Librarian
Chad Crichton
chad.crichton@utoronto.ca
ARC main floor
416-287-7492
https://utsc.library.utoronto.ca/librarians
Linguistics Student Association
https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/dls/linguistics-student-association
Academic Advising & Career Centre
AC213
416-287-7561
https://utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/
Department of Student Life
SL157
416-208-4760
https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife/

Did You Know?

There are estimated to be over 6500-7000 spoken languages in the world.

Linguistics Major (HBA)

Program Overview

Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:

Program Pathway

Glossary

Contacts

Did You Know?