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.
Explore our programs
Undergraduate
Continuing and professional education
Benefits list
Ranked Second in the United States
UMass Linguistics was ranked second for the fifth year in a row in the QS 2022 world rankings, topped only by MIT.
Institutes, Centers, and Labs
Dive into the world of linguistics with hands-on learning in our prestigious facilities, led by renowned faculty who are the best of the best.
Diversity Your Linguistics Major
For students pursuing a bachelor's degree, the linguistics department offers several options for majoring and minoring in linguistics, as well as innovative general education courses.
Featured faculty
Joe Pater
Professor, Linguistics
Joe Pater is the department chair and a professor of linguistics.
Kyle Johnson
Professor, Linguistics
Kyle Johnson is a professor of linguistics who specializes in syntactic theory.
In the news
Online Linguistics Courses Available for Fall 2024
Three linguistics courses are available online in the fall 2024 semester. Registration opens June 3.
Sophia He, Linguistics, and Jarrel De Matas, English, Named Student Speakers for UMass Amherst Commencement 2024
Linguistics major Sophia He and English PhD Student Jarrel De Matas will represent the undergraduate and graduate classes of 2024 at Commencement.
New Computational Linguistics Major to Meet Rapidly Growing Demand for Jobs
Computational Linguistics, a new major from the Department of Linguistics, has launched to meet the growing demand for computational linguistics jobs.
Linguistics
Explore the many complex facets of human language at one of the world’s top linguistics programs.