Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics - Computational Linguistics Option California State University, Fresno

A B.A. in Linguistics can prepare students for a career in many areas, including translation and interpreting; publishing; editing and grammar checking; lexicography (dictionary development); indigenous language documentation, and preservation. When combined with computer science in the Computational Linguistics option, careers in technology, artificial intelligence, and software development become possibilities. In law or criminology, Linguistics graduates have a special understanding of legal issues involving language or the use of language evidence in litigation (forensic linguistics). In health care, students with a linguistics degree can take advanced training and pursue careers in speech pathology and related areas. Many corporations recruit linguistics majors for development and marketing positions.

The option in Computational Linguistics is a joint major with Computer Science and prepares students in the fundamentals of computer software development for natural language applications.

What You Can Learn

• Linguistic methodology: phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics
• Language documentation and preservation
• Second language teaching methods and practical training
• Language and the brain

A B.A. with a major in linguistics requires 36-46 units completed, depending on which option, the General Education requirement, specific course/skill requirements, electives, and remaining degree requirements totaling at least the 120 units required for a B.A.

1. Major requirements (45-46 units) and Additional Requirements (4 units)

Core Requirements (24 units)
LING 100, LING 139, LING 142, LING 143, LING 148, LING 151, LING 156, LING 165

Computational Linguistics Option (21-22 units)
Prerequisites: CSCI 40, CSCI 41 (8 units)
CSCI 60, CSCI 150, CSCI 152E (10 units)
Elective: select from LING 145, LING 153, LING 154, CGSCI 100 or CSCI 115, CSCI 117, CSCI 119, CSCI 130, CSCI 164, CSCI 166, CSCI 186 (3-4 units)

Additional Requirement: MATH 75 (see advising notes)

2. General Education requirements (48 units)

3. Other requirements (9 units)
American Government and Institutions (PLSI 2), Multicultural and International (MI), and Upper-division writing

4. Sufficient elective units to meet required total units (varies)
(See Degree Requirements); may be used toward a double major or minor

5. Total units (120)*
* G.E. and MI courses can be double-counted with major requirements. See advisor for details.