Linguistics: Study Resource & Degree Program Information

General Information About Linguistics Degree Programs

Degrees in linguistics can be earned at the bachelors, masters or doctoral level and through certification programs as well. The course of study for linguistics follows a similar track as most other disciplines, with around four years of study for the bachelor's degree, two for the master's and five or more for the doctorate. Degrees in linguistics can lead to a variety of language-related careers.

Linguistics Degree Study Options

Students interested in certain basic language-related careers like teaching English as a second language can earn a certificate in linguistics. These certificates provide proof of professional training in linguistics and can be earned in months, often online. Students can also major in linguistics at their college or university in order to earn a Bachelor of Arts in the discipline. They can then move on to earn a master's degree or a doctoral degree in linguistics that will widen their career options.

Advanced Linguistics Degrees

A master's or doctoral degree in linguistics will open up virtually all language-related careers, including teaching of linguistics or of a specific language, linguistics research and serving as a translator. Masters degrees can take around two or more years of full time study while doctoral degrees will require around five years. Students will be expected to have mastered some specific languages while having a solid grounding in the principles of all major languages.

Master Of Arts In Linguistics

The Master of Arts degree in Linguistics focuses on research and learning the skills required to teach language. Masters candidates will generally be expected to be highly proficient in English, English composition and English as a second language, as well as comprehensive knowledge of one or more additional foreign languages.

Doctoral Programs In Linguistics

A student looking to earn a Ph.D. in linguistics will need to have a comprehensive understanding of advanced linguistic theory as well as computational linguistics. They will typically speak and read several foreign languages fluently. They will be expected to produce a dissertation detailing an original, innovative idea in the field of linguistics. These programs generally take three to five years to complete but can take longer depending on the complexity of the dissertation and the amount of time per year dedicated to study.

Choosing A Degree In Linguistics

Being proficient at a single foreign language does not necessarily mean someone will perform well in linguistics. However, students who have always had an interest in language, be it their own or others, and of how sentences are constructed and how ideas are communicated may find linguistics well suited to their interests and abilities.

Career Opportunities In Linguistics

Since many careers involve the use of language or communication in some way, there are many options open to those with linguistics degrees. These include careers as translators, speech therapists, foreign language teachers and English as a second language teachers. Linguistics experts may also find themselves working with artificial intelligence technology or even with the U.S. government as code breakers or intelligence analysts.

Earning Potential For Linguistics Careers

The earning power of translators depends largely on the work they do. Many translators are self-employed and set their own fees. The average salaried interpreter or translator made about $17.10 per hour in 2006. Language specialists for the Federal government earned a median income of $76,287 in 2007. Speech Pathologists earned between $46,360 and $72,410 on average in 2006.

Getting Your Linguistics Degree Online

Studying linguistics through an accredited distance learning program is no problem thanks to the Internet. It is now a relatively simple matter to access necessary texts, commentary and audio and video recordings necessary to develop ones linguistic skills. Students can take online courses, give online presentations and do required coursework remotely in order to complete their linguistics degree in a reasonable amount of time, and for continuing education students, with little interruption to their current jobs or lives.

Getting Your Linguistics Degree Offline

Students who decide to study linguistics as their undergraduate major at a traditional college or university will find a host of resources to assist them. A top linguistics program will have experienced professors and texts that can guide any student through the process of understanding the underpinnings of any major language. The best way to learn is by doing, and students will also be able to practice their linguistic skills with peers and professors and in some cases, through study abroad. These options will create opportunities for students to immerse themselves in foreign languages and cultures, sharpening their skills and allowing them to increase their body of knowledge at a rapid pace so that they will be ready for whatever language-related career awaits them.