Program Overview
A bachelor’s degree in linguistics at the University of Kansas provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how language is structured, acquired, and used across communities and cultures. Linguistics is the scientific study of language, examining sound systems, word formation, sentence structure, meaning, and social variation. Students pursuing a major in linguistics explore how languages change over time, how the human brain processes language, and how communication shapes identity, power, and social interaction.
Through this degree in linguistics, students develop strong analytical, research, and communication skills that translate across industries. Coursework emphasizes evidence-based analysis of real language data, preparing graduates to evaluate linguistic patterns using both theoretical and empirical approaches. The KU linguistics degree also encourages interdisciplinary study, connecting language science to psychology, anthropology, education, computer science, and cognitive science.
KU’s undergraduate linguistics program allows students to build expertise in phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics while gaining hands-on research experience. Students may also explore language acquisition, bilingualism, psycholinguistics, and computational approaches to language. Whether you plan to pursue graduate education or enter the workforce directly, a bachelor’s degree in linguistics equips you with adaptable skills valued in research, technology, public service, and communication-driven professions.
The program offers both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of General Studies options, allowing students to tailor the degree in linguistics to their academic and career goals. Students work closely with faculty mentors who are actively engaged in research across diverse linguistic subfields, ensuring that undergraduates are introduced to current debates and methodologies in the discipline.
Learn more about KU
Undergraduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Linguistics, BA/BGSKU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Bachelor’s of Linguistics is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, home to a collaborative and creative community making the world better through inquiry and research.Bachelor’s in Linguistics Learning Outcomes
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in linguistics will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of core areas of linguistic theory, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics.
- Analyze and interpret language data from diverse languages using established methods of linguistic analysis.
- Evaluate language variation and change across social, cultural, and historical contexts.
- Apply principles of language acquisition and psycholinguistics to understand how language is learned and processed.
- Conduct independent or collaborative research using appropriate theoretical frameworks and empirical methodologies.
- Communicate linguistic analyses clearly and effectively in written and oral formats.
These outcomes ensure that students completing a linguistics degree graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical research experience aligned with national standards in the field.
What Careers Are Possible with a Bachelor’s in Linguistics?
A bachelor’s degree in linguistics prepares graduates for a wide variety of professional pathways. Because students learn to analyze complex systems, interpret data, and communicate findings clearly, they are competitive candidates across multiple sectors. Common linguistics degree jobs include:
- Computational linguist
- Speech-language pathologist (with additional certification)
- Translator or interpreter
- Lexicographer
- Technical writer
Many graduates also pursue advanced degrees in linguistics, speech-language pathology, law, education, library science, or computer science. Increasingly, employers in artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and language technology seek candidates with a strong foundation in linguistic structure and analysis.
According to Lightcast, jobs with a linguistics degree can lead to competitive salaries, with earnings varying by industry, geographic region, and level of specialization.
Tuition and Financial Aid
KU offers competitive tuition rates and financial aid options for students pursuing a linguistics degree. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for information on scholarships, grants, and financial planning resources.Admission Requirements
All students interested in the bachelor’s degree in linguistics program must meet the standard University of Kansas admission requirements for incoming freshman and transfer students. This includes:
Freshman
- 3.25 high school GPA OR
- An official ACT score of at least 21 or an official SAT score of at least 1060 with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
Transfer
- Assured admission with 24+ transferable credit hours with a 2.5+ GPA from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
For detailed admission requirements, visit KU Admissions.
Student Life and Learning Experiences
KU’s linguistics degree emphasizes experiential learning and faculty mentorship. Students have opportunities to collaborate on research related to language acquisition, sociolinguistic variation, phonetic analysis, and computational modeling. Faculty-led projects often introduce students to data collection, transcription, corpus analysis, and experimental design.
Research labs, independent study opportunities, and study abroad programs further enhance the bachelor’s degree in linguistics experience. Studying language in multilingual settings allows students to observe linguistic theory in real-world contexts.
Linguistics students at KU may engage in student organizations such as the Linguistics Club, present research at undergraduate conferences, and build professional networks with alumni and scholars in the field. The supportive academic environment fosters intellectual curiosity, critical inquiry, and preparation for both graduate study and professional advancement.
Bachelor’s in Linguistics Sample Courses
Students pursuing a major in linguistics complete coursework across foundational and advanced areas of language science. Sample courses include:
- Introductory Linguistics
- Language and Mind
- Phonetics
- Syntax
- Bilingualism
- First Language Acquisition
- Psycholinguistics
Additional upper-level coursework allows students to deepen their expertise in selected subfields as part of their degree in linguistics. For a full list of course requirements, visit the KU Catalog.
Bachelor’s in Linguistics Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications are open and accepted on a rolling basis.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in four years.