Linguistics

Bachelor's Degree Program

The linguistics degree at UAF is the only program of its kind in the state of Alaska. With a strong focus on student research and presentation skills, the bachelor’s in linguistics provides unique opportunities to prepare for careers and graduate study. You’ll also benefit from an exceptional level of personalized advising and support.

As a linguistics major at UAF, you can learn about the variety of human languages in the world. Or, you can focus on a particular language, either from the foreign languages offerings or from the Alaska Native language program. Our program also explores subfields of linguistics such as language documentation and language policy.

A degree in linguistics is excellent preparation for careers in language teaching and speech pathology, or if you plan to pursue graduate study. Many of our linguistics majors choose to minor in Alaska Native languages or foreign languages.

What Is Linguistics?

Linguistics is the study of human language. It provides tools for understanding how we acquire and produce distinctive sounds, words, phrases and sentences. It also helps us understand how people in different cultures use language to interact and express meaning. Linguistics covers a variety of subjects from theories of grammar and how we produce language to applications of linguistic knowledge in areas such as language teaching.

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Quick Facts

Degree type:

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  • Offered as a major and minor

Availability:

  • UAF's main campus in Fairbanks, AK

 

Why Study Linguistics at UAF?

Linguistics majors at the University of Alaska Fairbanks benefit from the variety of language studies available, a strong research emphasis and personalized advising. Here are more reasons to major in linguistics at UAF.

Study Alaska Native languages and more

Whether you’re interested in learning Alaska Native languages or other languages from around the world, you’ll find your passion at UAF. The languages we teach are:

  • Asian: Chinese, Japanese
  • Alaskan: Yup'ik, Inupiaq, Gwich'in, Koyukon (and others by independent study)
  • European: French, German, Greek, Latin, Russian, Spanish

Develop your research and presentation skills

  • Our linguistics program features a strong emphasis on student research and presentation through the undergraduate capstone course. You’ll have even more opportunities to practice your research and presentation skills through our annual Language and Linguistics Student Conference.

 
Work closely with expert faculty and advisors

  • Our faculty have broad expertise in linguistics, linguistic anthropology, language documentation, language revitalization and language acquisition. You’ll also have access to a dedicated advising team who are here to support and guide you throughout the program.

 
Access unique resources and knowledge

  • Our Alaska Native Language Center is internationally recognized as the major center in the United States for the study of Eskimo and Northern Athabascan languages. Our Rasmuson Library is also home to the Alaska Native Language Archive, one of the most comprehensive indigenous languages resources in the world.

Quick Look: Introduction to Linguistics

 

What Can You Do With a Degree in Linguistics?

As a linguistics major, you’ll develop analytical reasoning, critical thinking and communication skills you can apply to a variety of careers. Many of our bachelor’s program graduates also go on to graduate school in linguistics or related fields. Here’s a quick look at what some of our recent majors in linguistics have gone on to do.

 

 

Explore Classes for Linguistics Majors

The degree in linguistics is built around a core curriculum of language classes and linguistic theory classes, plus an additional six courses in subfields of linguistics. You are required to take two languages. All students are required to define and complete a research project as part of the program's capstone course.

View all required classes for the degree in linguistics

Bachelor’s Degree Programs Related to Linguistics

 

Get Started on Your Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics

Take the next step toward earning your bachelor’s degree. We have the resources to help you get started.

Talk to an Advisor

Have questions? Our expert advisors are here to guide you every step of the way. Let us know how we can help.

Transfer to UAF

Transferring to UAF? We can walk you through the process and help make sure you get the most out of the credits you’ve earned.

Apply Now and Request More Information

Earn your bachelor’s degree in linguistics at UAF. Submit your application online today.