Careers for Linguistics Students

Linguistics is scientific in its goals and methods, and students build cross-cultural competence through exposure to varied languages and societies. Studying linguistics can thus provide the foundation for a wide range of careers. Our students benefit from career development opportunities both within the department and through the College of Arts and Sciences.
 

See what past Linguistics majors are doing now!

Portraits of Linguistics alumni

What transferable skills do Linguistics students learn?

  • Identifying problems
  • Gathering information
  • Analytical/critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Setting goals
  • Data collection/analysis
  • Quantitative reasoning
  • Argumentation
  • Technical writing
  • Speaking effectively
  • Using technology
  • Cultural understanding
  • Responding to feedback
  • Adaptability/flexibility
  • Language fluency

What types of careers might Linguistics students pursue?

Education

  • World language instruction
  • English instruction
  • Literacy instruction
  • Research/teaching
     

Language Services

  • Translation
  • Interpretation
  • Subtitling
  • Accent coaching
     

Information Technology

  • Language data analysis
  • Speech synthesis
  • Speech recognition
  • Natural language processing
  • Computer programming
     

Publishing

  • Editing
  • Technical writing
  • Lexicography
     

Health Professions

  • Speech therapy
  • Audiology
  • Dentistry
  • Medical research
     

Non-Profit/Advocacy

  • Foreign relief work
  • Librarianship
  • Civil service
  • Law