Linguistics
Linguistics Specialist (HBA)
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 Specialist Program in Linguistics is designed for students who are interested in a more intensive study of linguistics and for students who are interested in theoretical linguistics.
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
- Analyse 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
- ... and more!!
Further Education
- Linguistics
- Speech Language Pathology
- Communicative Disorders
- Education
- Journalism
- Law School
- 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
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Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
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Schedule an appointment with your Program Librarian for in-depth research assistance with your assignments.
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Get writing support at the CTL Writing Centre.
Apply Theory to Practice
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Attend the Professor/Graduate Student Mix & Mingles to meet many of the professors & TAs you will encounter as you progress through your degree.
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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)
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Get involved with the Linguistics Student Association (LSA); also explore other relevant student clubs and activities on campus.
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Volunteer in DSL’s Alternative Reading Week program to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development.
Plan for Your Future Career
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Volunteer with organizations to explore your interest in industries related to your program of study; check listings on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
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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, LINB09H3, and LINB10H3.
- 4.5 credits from the 2 groups listed in UTSC Calendar, including at least 1.5 credits from Group A and Group B (Check UTSC Calendar for details).
- Use Degree Explorer to plan your courses and program and meet with your Program Advisor to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
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Further develop your general academic skills by attending workshops offered by the Academic Advising & Career Centre (AA&CC) and Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL).
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Consider enrolling in LINB98H3 if you have an interest in research or research based applications.
Apply Theory to Practice
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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)
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Look into volunteering or working overseas to expand your network through International Student Centre’s (ISC) Global Learning programs.
Plan for Your Future Career
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Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
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Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- Take LINC02H3, LINC11H3, LINC12H3.
- Continue to fulfill the credits from the 2 groups listed in the UTSC Calendar as outlined in year 2.
- Additional 2.0 credits in any LIN, PLI, JAL or JLP courses.
- 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
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Continue to fulfill the additional 2.0 credits in any LIN, PLI, JAL or JLP courses mentioned in year 3.
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Ensure you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
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Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
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Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
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Apply for an Academic Travel Fund via DSL to research, present at a conference, or engage with the international academic community.
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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
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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)
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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.
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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
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Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
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Attend the Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course”; find job opportunities on CLNx.
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Discuss grad school plans early with staff at the AA&CC and your professors.
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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)
- ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
- LSA – Linguistics Student Association (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/dls/linguistics-student-association)
- SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)
Contacts
- Departmental ContactSean Ramrattansean.ramrattan@utoronto.ca416-287-7125https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/dls/
- Linguistics LibrarianChad Crichtonchad.crichton@utoronto.caARC main floor416-287-7492https://utsc.library.utoronto.ca/librarians
- Academic Advising & Career CentreAC213416-287-7561https://utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/
- Department of Student LifeSL157416-208-4760https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife/
- Linguistics Student Associationhttps://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/dls/linguistics-student-association
Did You Know?
It’s estimated that over 2900 languages are considered to be endangered.