Psycholinguistics Specialist (HBA)
Admissions Category: Psychological & Health Studies
Program Overview
Linguistics is the scientific study of human language. It encompasses theories of linguistic structure in all domains: speech sounds (phonetics and phonology), words (morphology), sentences (syntax), meaning (semantics) and conversations (discourse). Psycholinguistics emphasizes biological and psychological factors in language and disorders. This program provides the best preparation for entry into a graduate program such as speech-language pathology and psycholinguistics.
Note: Effective Fall 2024, the Psycholinguistic Specialist program will be a science program, with updated program requirements. Please find out more information on the UTSC Academic Calendar: https://utsc.calendar.utoronto.ca/specialist-program-psycholinguistics-arts
Complementary Programs:
Psychology, Neuroscience, English Chinese Translation, Health 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
- Observe people and data
- 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 in Government Services
Further Education
- Linguistics
- Speech Language Pathology
- Communicative Disorders
- Rehabilitation Sciences
- Occupational Therapy
- Medicine
- Education
- Journalism
- Law School
- Paralegal Studies
- Public Relations
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
- 2.0 credits as follows: LINA01H3, LINA02H3, PSYA01H3, PSYA02H3.
- For those interested in Speech Language Pathology as a career prospect, it is wise to enroll in BIOA11H3 in year 1.
- 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 UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair to connect with professors and learn more about their specialties.
- Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.
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 interests; 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
- 2.0 credits as follows: LINB04H3, LINB06H3, LINB09H3, LINB29H3.
- 1.5 credits from: LINB10H3, LINB20H3, LINC02H3, LINC11H3, LINC12H3 (taken in year 2 to 4).
- BIOB35H3 if interested in Speech Language Pathology as a career prospect.
- Meet with your Program Advisor or Supervisor 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 (AA&CC) and Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL).
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
- 1.0 credit as follows: PLIC24H3, PLIC55H3.
- 2.5 credits from: LINB62H3, LIND09H3, PLIC25H3, PLID34H3, PLID44H3, PLID50H3, PLID74H3 (taken in year 2 to 4).
- Take courses to fulfill your breadth requirements.
- Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
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).
- Consider working or volunteering under the supervision of a Speech Language Pathologist in a communication disorders setting.
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
- 1.5 credits from the following: LINB19H3, PLIC54H3, PLIC75H3, PLID56H3, PSYB20H3, PSYB51H3 or PSYB57H3, PSYB65H3, PSYC21H3 (taken in year 2 to 4 depending on course level).
- 2.0 additional credits in LIN and/or PLI.
- For those interested in Speech Language Pathology, it is wise to take PLIC54H3 in year 3 or 4.
- Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Apply for an Academic Travel Fund through Department of Student Life (DSL) to research, present at a conference, or engage with the international academic community.
- Consider enrolling in an Independent Study Course which will give you the opportunity to work closely with a faculty member.
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 a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course” and for access to full-time job listings.
- Get your Personal Statement for grad school reviewed in the AA&CC.
Glossary
- AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
- CAP Lab - Computation and Psycholinguistics Laboratory (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/labs/caplab)
- 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)
Departmental Contact
Phone: 416-287-7125
https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/dls/welcome-department-language-studies
Language Studies Librarian
K-Lee Fraser
E-mail: klee.fraser@utoronto.caLocation: ARC main floor
https://utsc.library.utoronto.ca/librarians
Linguistics Student Association
https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/dls/linguistics-student-association
Academic Advising & Career Centre
Phone: 416-287-7561
https://utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/
Department of Student Life
Phone: 416-208-4760
https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife/
Did You Know?
Second language learning should be initiated as soon as possible.