M.S. in Computer Science
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science program at Western Washington Universi...
B.A. in Linguistics
Bellingham, Washington
INTAKE: Jan, Mar & Sep
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics at Western Washington University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of language, its structure, and its role in society. This interdisciplinary program combines theoretical and applied aspects of linguistics, equipping students with critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for various career paths. The curriculum emphasizes the scientific study of language, exploring phonetics, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics, while also examining language acquisition and language change over time.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Linguistics includes core courses in linguistic theory, research methods, and practical applications of linguistics. Students engage with topics such as phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics, and language variation. Electives allow for specialization in areas like psycholinguistics, computational linguistics, and sociolinguistics. Additionally, students are encouraged to participate in hands-on projects and internships to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their educational experience.
Research Focus: Research in the Linguistics program at Western Washington University encompasses a wide array of topics, including language acquisition, phonetics, sociolinguistic variation, and computational modeling of language. Faculty members actively engage in research projects, providing students with opportunities to participate in ongoing studies, contribute to publications, and present findings at academic conferences. This research component not only enriches the learning experience but also prepares students for advanced study or careers in linguistics-related fields.
Industry Engagement: The B.A. in Linguistics program fosters strong connections with various industries, including education, technology, and public policy. Students are encouraged to participate in internships, workshops, and networking events that facilitate interactions with professionals in the field. These opportunities allow students to gain practical experience and insights into how linguistic principles are applied in diverse contexts, from language teaching to software development and beyond.
Global Perspective: The program emphasizes the global nature of language, encouraging students to explore linguistic diversity and the role of language in shaping cultural identities. Coursework often includes comparative studies of languages and the impact of globalization on language use. Students are also encouraged to study abroad or participate in exchange programs to broaden their understanding of linguistics in different cultural contexts, thereby enhancing their global awareness and adaptability in a multicultural world.
Location
Bellingham, Washington
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 26613
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 62 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Truecopy Credentials evaluation will be required
Western Washington University (WWU) is fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community, the university offers a range of scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships aim to recognize academic merit, promote cultural diversity, and alleviate financial barriers, enabling international students to pursue their educational goals at WWU.
International Student Scholarships: WWU provides dedicated scholarship opportunities for international students, acknowledging their unique contributions to the university community. These scholarships may be merit-based, considering academic achievements and accomplishments, or need-based, taking into account the financial circumstances of the applicants.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships at WWU recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership skills, and extracurricular involvement. Eligibility criteria may vary, and scholarships may be awarded based on factors such as GPA, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation.
Need-Based Scholarships: For international students facing financial constraints, WWU offers need-based scholarships to help ease the burden of tuition and related expenses. These scholarships consider the demonstrated financial need of the applicant, and recipients may be required to submit financial documentation as part of the application process.
Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships: WWU values diversity and encourages applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply for diversity and inclusion scholarships. These scholarships aim to create a more inclusive learning environment and celebrate the varied perspectives that international students bring to the university community.
Graduates of the B.A. in Linguistics from Western Washington University possess a versatile skill set that opens doors to a variety of career paths in diverse fields, thanks to their understanding of language structure, usage, and cultural implications.
LANGUAGE TEACHING: Many graduates choose to pursue careers in language education, teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) or other languages in schools, community colleges, or language institutes. Their knowledge of linguistics equips them to create effective curricula and instructional strategies for diverse learners.
RESEARCH AND ACADEMIA: Some graduates may opt for advanced studies in linguistics or related fields, leading to careers in research and academia. They can engage in scholarly work, contributing to the understanding of language phenomena and teaching at the college or university level.
LINGUISTIC ANALYST: Graduates can work as linguistic analysts in various sectors, including technology and communications. They may analyze language data to improve speech recognition software, natural language processing systems, and other language-based technologies.
TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION: A degree in linguistics provides a solid foundation for careers in translation and interpretation. Graduates can work in legal, medical, or technical settings, facilitating communication between speakers of different languages and ensuring accurate and culturally sensitive exchanges.
LANGUAGE POLICY AND PLANNING: Graduates may work in government or non-profit organizations focusing on language policy and planning. They can contribute to initiatives aimed at promoting multilingualism, language preservation, and education policy that supports linguistic diversity.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING: Graduates can enter the fields of communications and marketing, where their understanding of language and culture can enhance messaging strategies. They can work in roles such as copywriting, public relations, or content development, creating targeted communications that resonate with diverse audiences.
SOCIAL SERVICES: Many graduates pursue careers in social services, working with communities that require support in language access and literacy. They can engage in advocacy and program development that addresses the needs of non-native speakers or linguistically diverse populations.
USER EXPERIENCE (UX) RESEARCH: Some linguistics graduates find opportunities in UX research, where they analyze how users interact with products and services. Their skills in understanding language use and communication patterns can help improve user interfaces and enhance overall user satisfaction.
