Linguistics

As a linguistics major, you’ll explore the fascinating phenomenon of human language. Through your coursework you’ll learn how language is structured, acquired and used in social interactions. You’ll also learn how language changes over time or how it can be modeled computationally. Coursework for the major includes foundation and core courses, leaving you the flexibility to develop programs of study that focus on your areas of special interest. Linguistics combines well with language study and related fields such as philosophy, psychology, computer science and anthropology.

Sample classes

  • Introduction to Linguistics
  • Language and Society
  • Language and Law
  • Native American Languages

Outcomes

All information below is based on the 2014-2018 First-Destination Post-Graduate Survey. Lists are not exhaustive; rather, they are a sampling of the data. 
"Other" includes time off, travel, volunteer experiences, and/or preparing for graduate school. If you would like more information, please email as_careers@cornell.edu

Approximately 4/5 of 2014-2018 Linguistics graduates reported being Employed or Attending Graduate School, with the majority being Employed.

66% of the Class of 2014-2018 Linguistics graduates completed the survey. n = 43

Below, you will find:

  • Top Employment Sectors
  • Where Graduates Work
  • Top Graduate Fields
  • Where Graduates Study

Top Employment Sectors

  • Technology
  • Education
  • Other Nonprofit Organization
  • Consulting/Prof. Practice
  • Communications/Media
  • Financial Services
  • Law
  • Manufacturing
  • Business - Other
  • Government

Where 2014-2018 Linguistics Graduates Work

Employer Job Titles
A9.com Software Development Engineer
Architecture Technology Corporation Software Engineer
City Year Corps Member
Delaware North Front Desk Clerk
Ellen Theatre Actor, Set Builder, Newspaper Carrier
Fullbright Italy English Teaching Assistant
English Teaching Assistant
Gartner Research Specialist
Google Software Engineer
IXL Product Analyst
Japan Exchange & Teaching Programme Assistant Language Teacher
Leverege Junior Software Developer
MITRE Corporation Cyber Security Software Engineer
New York Civil Liberties Union - ACLU Legislative & Advocacy Assistant
Nuance Communications Speech Scientist
Oxford University Press Editorial Assistant
Progressive Education Lab Fellow
Saint Louis Zoo Animal Behavior Research Intern
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Legal Practice Assistant
Symphonica Research Intern
Tarte Cosmetics Retail Marketing Intern
TD Ameritrade Rotational Analyst
University of Maryland Baggett Research Fellow
Faculty Research Assistant
Wolters Kluwer Engagement & Project Analyst

Top Graduate Fields Pursued

  • Linguistics
  • Education
  • Law
  • Nursing
  • Psychology
  • Philosophy

Graduate Degrees Pursued

  • PhD

Where 2014-2018 Linguistics Graduates Study

  • Harvard University
  • Ohio State University
  • Sacred Heart University
  • Stanford University
  • University of California-Berkeley
  • University of California-San Diego
  • University of San Diego