Linguistics — Combined Honours

The Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics — Combined Honours at Carleton University offers students an in-depth exploration of the scientific study of language, its structure, and its function in human communication. This interdisciplinary program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how languages work, covering diverse areas such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Students will gain valuable analytical skills to examine linguistic phenomena across different languages and cultures, equipping them with a solid foundation for careers in language teaching, translation, speech-language pathology, computational linguistics, and further academic research. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, encouraging students to participate in research projects, linguistics labs, and fieldwork. Throughout their studies, students will have opportunities to study a variety of languages, enhancing their cross-cultural communication abilities and global awareness. The curriculum combines core linguistics courses with electives from related disciplines such as psychology, anthropology, computer science, and education, fostering an interdisciplinary perspective. Students will also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills, preparing them for diverse professional environments. The program's flexible structure allows students to tailor their educational path, with options for specialization in areas like phonetics, syntax, language acquisition, or computational linguistics. Graduates from the program are well-equipped for careers in education, technology, government, and cultural organizations, or for pursuing graduate studies in linguistics or allied fields. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty, students are encouraged to participate actively in the vibrant academic community at Carleton University. Whether interested in understanding the intricacies of human language, exploring new language technologies, or engaging in intercultural dialogue, the Linguistics — Combined Honours program offers a rigorous and enriching academic experience that prepares students for the complexities of language in a globalized world.

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Linguistics — Combined Honours programme at Carleton University offers students an in-depth exploration of the scientific study of language. This interdisciplinary program provides a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical and practical knowledge of linguistics, phonetics, syntax, semantics, and language variation and change. Students will gain a solid foundation in understanding how languages function, how they are structured, and how they differ and evolve across regions and communities. The program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and research capabilities, preparing graduates for careers in language teaching, translation, communication, research, and further academic pursuits.

Throughout the degree, students will engage with core linguistics courses, exploring topics such as phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics, alongside specialized seminars on current issues in language and communication. The programme also emphasizes the importance of empirical research methods and encourages students to participate in fieldwork, data collection, and analysis. In addition to linguistics coursework, students have the opportunity to study related fields such as anthropology, psychology, and computer science, fostering a multidisciplinary understanding of language phenomena.

The program is structured to include both coursework and a significant research component, culminating in a senior thesis or research project. Students are encouraged to participate in internships and cooperative education placements to gain practical experience and enhance their employability. Carleton’s vibrant academic community provides a rich learning environment with access to dedicated faculty members who are experts in their fields, as well as seminars, workshops, and conferences that promote scholarly collaboration.

Graduates of the Linguistics — Combined Honours programme are well-equipped with strong analytical, communication, and research skills, enabling them to pursue careers in areas such as language education, speech therapy, computational linguistics, language policy, and more. The programme also prepares students for graduate studies in linguistics, cognitive science, computational linguistics, and allied disciplines. With its broad focus and rigorous training, the program aims to develop versatile professionals capable of understanding and analyzing language in various social, technological, and cultural contexts, contributing meaningfully to advancing knowledge about human communication.

The Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics — Combined Honours program at Carleton University requires students to complete a total of 20 courses, including foundational courses in linguistics, coursework in related disciplines, and advanced seminars. Students must achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 60% overall to graduate. The program begins with core courses such as Introduction to Linguistics, Phonetics, Syntax, and Semantics, which provide a broad overview of linguistic structures and theories. Students are encouraged to take courses in phonology, language acquisition, psycholinguistics, and sociolinguistics to gain a comprehensive understanding of the field. Within the program, students also have the opportunity to specialize or deepen their knowledge in specific areas of linguistics, such as applied linguistics, computational linguistics, or historical linguistics, through elective courses.

In addition to coursework, students are expected to participate in seminar presentations and complete a major research project or thesis to demonstrate their ability to conduct independent research. As part of the combined honours structure, students typically take coursework in their second major or honours discipline, integrating linguistic insights into broader academic pursuits. The program emphasizes developing analytical skills, understanding of language diversity, and research methodology. Students must fulfill a residence requirement by completing at least 50% of their courses at Carleton University. To be eligible for graduation, students must also pass a senior seminar in linguistics and maintain good academic standing throughout their studies.

Internship opportunities or co-op placements may be available to eligible students, offering practical experience in language-related fields such as translation, speech therapy, language teaching, or computational linguistics. The program also encourages participation in conferences, linguistic fieldwork, and collaborative projects with faculty members, fostering professional development and networking in the linguistic community. Upon completion, graduates will possess a solid foundation in linguistic theory and practice, preparing them for careers in education, research, technology, communication, or further graduate study in linguistics or related disciplines.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Linguistics – Combined Honours program at Carleton University offers a range of financing options to help students manage the costs of their education. As a comprehensive institution, Carleton University provides various financial aid opportunities including scholarships, bursaries, and awards based on academic achievement, financial need, and other criteria. Prospective and current students are encouraged to explore the university’s scholarship database, which features awards specific to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, as well as those designated for students enrolled in language and linguistics programs.

In addition to institutional aid, students can access federal and provincial government student loan programs. The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is available for eligible Ontario residents, providing needs-based loans and grants designed to reduce the financial barriers to pursuing higher education. Students may also consider applying for external scholarships offered by government agencies, private foundations, and industry organizations related to linguistics and language studies. These external awards often require a separate application process and may be merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both.

Part-time work opportunities on campus and through cooperative education programs can also contribute to a student’s financial support. Carleton University’s Career Services Office provides resources for job search strategies, resume writing, and interview preparation, facilitating access to employment opportunities both within the university and in the surrounding community. Many students engage in work-study jobs that are flexible around their academic schedules, helping to offset living expenses and reduce reliance on loans.

Moreover, the university recommends early financial planning and budgeting as part of its orientation programs for incoming students. Students are advised to seek informational sessions about financial literacy, including managing personal finances and understanding the implications of student debt. For international students, additional sources of funding might include scholarships dedicated solely to international applicants or specific fee waivers, depending on the program’s policies.

Overall, the combination of internal scholarships, government aid, external funding sources, employment opportunities, and financial planning resources aims to provide a comprehensive support system for students pursuing the Linguistics – Combined Honours program at Carleton University, making higher education more accessible and affordable.

The Linguistics — Combined Honours program at Carleton University is designed for students interested in exploring the scientific study of language, its structure, meaning, and use. This program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of linguistics, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Students will gain an understanding of how languages are structured, how they function in different social contexts, and how they evolve over time. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, making it suitable for students aiming to pursue careers in research, education, technology, or language-related fields.

Throughout the program, students have opportunities to engage in linguistic analysis, participate in research projects, and develop strong communication skills. The curriculum also encourages critical thinking about language issues, language acquisition, and diversity. In addition to core linguistics courses, students may choose electives in related areas such as cognitive science, computer science, intercultural communication, and language studies.

The combined honours format allows students to integrate their study of linguistics with another discipline offered at Carleton University, promoting interdisciplinary learning and broadening career prospects. The program typically takes four years to complete, requiring students to fulfill specific course requirements, including foundational courses in both disciplines, upper-year seminars, and possibly a capstone project or thesis.

Graduates of the Linguistics — Combined Honours program at Carleton are well-equipped for various career paths. These include roles in language technology development, translation, language teaching, speech pathology, research, and policy analysis. Additionally, the program prepares students for further studies at the graduate level in linguistics or related fields. Carleton University provides a vibrant academic environment with access to specialized facilities, experienced faculty, and numerous academic resources to support student success.

Please verify specific details and course offerings directly from Carleton University’s official website or academic advisor resources to ensure accuracy and to get the most up-to-date information.