Linguistics

The University of Michigan’s Linguistics Program offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to explore the fundamental nature of human language. Through interdisciplinary coursework and research, students gain a deep understanding of phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, as well as the cognitive and social aspects of language use. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and empirical methods, preparing students for diverse careers in academia, industry, government, and education. Students have opportunities to engage in original research projects, participate in seminars, and collaborate with faculty who are experts in areas such as language acquisition, computational linguistics, language preservation, and linguistic typology. The curriculum fosters critical thinking and analytical skills essential for analyzing language data, understanding linguistic diversity, and addressing real-world language challenges. In addition to the core coursework, students can tailor their studies with electives in related fields like psychology, computer science, anthropology, and international studies to broaden their perspectives on language and communication. The program also supports experiential learning through internships, teaching assistantships, and language practicums, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical settings. Graduates of the Linguistics Program at the University of Michigan are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees or careers in research, software development, language consulting, speech pathology, and more. With its vibrant academic community and state-of-the-art resources, the program provides an ideal environment for aspiring linguists to develop their skills and contribute to the understanding of the intricate workings of human language.

The Linguistics major requires a total of 30 credits at the 300 level or higher, subject to the constraints below. 

A. Required Core Courses (12 credits). All majors are required to take the following four courses. The coursework in LING 313, 315, and 316 should be completed as soon as possible, to ensure that all students gain a solid understanding of Linguistics before electing further courses, especially 497.

1. LING 313 – Sound Patterns. This course explores two fundamental aspects of the sounds of the world’s languages: speech sounds as physical entities (phonetics) and speech sounds as linguistic units (phonology).
2. LING 315 – Introduction to Syntax. This course examines the rule systems whereby words are organized into phrases and phrases into sentences in natural languages.
3. LING 316 – Aspects of Meaning. This course introduces students to the study of meaning in language.
4. LING 497 – Capstone Seminar. This seminar brings previous coursework, particularly the other required courses, to bear on a specific topic that may vary by term.  LING 313, 315, and 316 are prerequisites for 497, but may be taken concurrently.

In extraordinary circumstances, with permission of the Director of Undergraduate Studies, an advanced course in the area of phonetics/phonology, semantics, or syntax could satisfy the LING 313, 315, or 316 requirement.

B. Electives (18 credits). Beyond the four core courses, majors are encouraged to fill out their program of 30 total credits, in consultation with a Linguistics advisor, using courses from the categories below.

1. Regular Linguistics Classroom Courses (at least 6 additional credits).  Majors must complete at least 18 total credits of traditional classroom courses offered by the Department of Linguistics.  (The core courses account for 12 of these 18 credits.)  Note that cross-listed courses count towards this category whether or not students enroll under the LING number, but meet-together courses only count when registered under the LING number.
2. Independent Study Courses (at most 6 credits).  At most 6 credits of independent study or independent reading courses may count towards the major.
3. Experiential Practice Courses (at most 6 credits).  At most 6 credits of experiential practice courses may count towards the major. (Note that this is calculated separately from the limit on independent studies; a student might theoretically take 6 credits of each.)
4. Cognate and Transfer Courses.  Subject to the limits above, approved cognate courses offered by another program or department and/or approved transfer credits from another institution may count towards the major.  Each term, the Linguistics Department posts a list of cognates on its website that are pre-approved for the major.  Students may also request that courses not on this list (including transfer credit) count towards the major; these requests must be individually approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Double Major

Because the study of language is quite often interdisciplinary, a major in Linguistics can be designed to integrate very well with other academic fields. As a result, it is very common for Linguistics majors to also major in a second field.  An LSA double major requires satisfying all of the requirements for the major of both programs.  However, neither LSA nor the Department of Linguistics imposes any limit on "double-counting" courses between majors, allowing students to double-major with substantially fewer than 60 total major credits.  (Check with an advisor in the second major, though, to confirm their policy on jointly counted courses.)

Honors Plan

The Honors major in Linguistics requires completion of the requirements for the major and, in addition, a senior Honors project leading to an Honors thesis. The thesis must be written under the supervision of a faculty member of the Department of Linguistics and with permission of a department advisor. Students may elect LING 495 and 496 when writing the Honors thesis (but are not required to do so).  Finally, LSA requires students in an Honors major to maintain a GPA of 3.4 or higher overall (not just in Linguistics).

1. You must apply via The Common Application, and submit the University of Michigan Questions. International students are not eligible for application fee waivers.
2. All undergraduate first-year applicants are required to submit test results from either the SAT with writing or the ACT with writing.
3. Submit the School Report.
4. Submit one Teacher Evaluation (academic teacher).
5. Submit a Counselor Recommendation (encouraged, but not required).
6. Submit your high school transcript. An official English translation is required to accompany the transcript if the transcript is not issued in English by the school. (Students who have already completed high school, including university transfer applicants, should be sure to have final high school transcript submitted showing the graduation date. Also provide a detailed explanation of any educational gaps.)
7. If you are a speaker of English as a second language, you will need to submit your MELAB, TOEFL, or IELTS scores.
8. Please note that international students on temporary visas are not eligible for financial aid, and should expect to pay the full cost of attendance. Scholarships are generally not available.   

Do not submit any extra documents unless specifically requested, as this may only delay your decision.

The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor offers various financial aid options for students enrolled in the Linguistics program to support their educational expenses. Prospective and current students are encouraged to explore multiple sources of funding to finance their studies effectively. Federal financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, and work-study programs. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed annually to determine eligibility for these funds. The university also provides institutional scholarships and grants that are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, or a combination of both. Applicants should consult the university’s Office of Financial Aid for detailed information on available scholarships specific to the Linguistics program or related disciplines. Additionally, students may seek external scholarships and fellowships offered by private organizations, government agencies, or professional associations. Graduate students in the program may be eligible for teaching or research assistantships, which often include a waiver of tuition fees and a stipend in exchange for teaching responsibilities or research work. The university also offers loan programs, which must be repaid after graduation or when the student ceases enrollment. Students are advised to develop a comprehensive financial plan early and to stay informed about deadlines and application procedures to maximize available funding sources. International students should review specific visa and financial requirements and may be eligible for certain scholarships or assistantships. Overall, the university prioritizes providing a range of financial support options to ensure that qualified students can pursue their Linguistics studies without undue financial burden, fostering an inclusive academic environment dedicated to research, learning, and professional development.

The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor offers a comprehensive program in Linguistics designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the scientific study of language. The program covers a broad range of topics, including syntax, phonetics, phonology, semantics, language acquisition, psycholinguistics, syntax, and sociolinguistics. Students are encouraged to explore the structure, history, and variations of languages worldwide, fostering skills in analytical thinking and research. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with empirical research, offering courses that delve into the cognitive aspects of language processing, the social functions of language, and the evolution of linguistic systems. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from psychology, computer science, anthropology, and philosophy to give students a well-rounded perspective on language phenomena. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and resources, including phonetics labs and speech analysis tools, facilitating hands-on research experiences. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, computational linguistics, language technology, speech pathology, or further study in graduate programs. The faculty comprises renowned researchers and scholars dedicated to advancing linguistic science. The University of Michigan’s linguistic program also encourages undergraduate research and offers opportunities for internships and collaboration with related departments. Students can pursue minors or certificates in related fields such as Cognitive Science or Speech and Language Pathology, enhancing their interdisciplinary expertise. The program advocates a multidisciplinary outlook, integrating linguistic theory with practical applications in technology and education. Additionally, the program offers seminars, workshops, and conferences to keep students engaged with the latest developments in linguistics. Overall, the University of Michigan’s Linguistics program aims to cultivate a thorough understanding of language structure and use, equipping students with critical analysis skills and an appreciation for linguistic diversity, preparing them for a variety of professional paths or advanced graduate studies.