Linguistics
Study how human language develops, how it functions, and how it impacts us.
Linguistics is the study of human language: its structure, use in communication, and role in psychology. Linguists are interested in language for its own sake, as a complex product of the human mind, how it develops in children, how it changes over time, and how it is used in human society.
UMass Amherst faculty members are at the forefront of the linguistics field, and our program is consistently ranked among the world's top programs. In particular, we are a major center for work in theoretical, experimental, and field linguistics.
Through our linguistics program, we offer several options for majors:
- Linguistics
- Computational Linguistics
- Linguistics and German
- Linguistics and Japanese
- Linguistics and Philosophy
- Linguistics and Portuguese
- Linguistics and Psychology
- Linguistics and Spanish
A degree in linguistics prepares students for careers in academia, but can also be an invaluable asset in any career demanding sharp research skills, theoretical and observational powers, and analytical abilities.