Undergraduate Program

Linguistics at WashU

At Washington University, Linguistics is a special interdepartmental program that primarily serves undergraduates. Students may major or minor in Linguistics, and many of our courses can be used to fulfill cluster requirements. The Courses page includes courses taught by other departments which increase understanding of linguistics and can, in most cases, also be applied toward a Linguistics major or minor.

The University also offers, in addition to Linguistics, several other courses of study for students interested in other approaches to language. These include but are probably not limited to Classics; East Asian Languages and Cultures; English; Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies; Germanic Languages and Literatures; and Romance Languages and Literatures. There are also several area studies programs that incorporate substantial study of modern languages. Check out International and Area Studies for examples. 

For other approaches, the Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology program offers a track in Language, Cognition, and Culture. The Psychological and Brain Sciences department has a supplemental concentration in Reading, Language, and Language Acquisition for its majors. Applied Linguistics is also offered as an undergraduate minor in Education. Scroll to the bottom of the page for links to their areas of study.

major and minor requirements

Get all the details for planning out your linguistics major or minor. Learn what classes you can count toward your degree, how these paths pair with other majors and minors, and other topics.

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Study Hall 

Study Hall is a chance to ask Linguistics faculty and students questions about coursework, research, the major or minor, or anything else linguistics-related in an informal setting. It is a great opportunity to get to know the Linguistics faculty and students outside of class. The Linguistics Program provides pizza.

Hours & Location:

Thursday 11:30-12:30 Wilson 104

Senior Honors Thesis Resources

Ready to dive into writing your Senior Honors Thesis? We've got all the resources to get you started. 

The thesis is a substantial project that shows that you have a strong understanding of linguistics and can use it in a meaningful, sustained application. While working closely with faculty advisors, you will have primary responsibility for an entire project: developing a question or idea, figuring out how to address the issue, collecting and analyzing the data;, writing up your analysis, and defending your work in oral questioning.

Thesis Requirements

a guide to thesis requirements

Linguistics Resources

external websites to learn more about linguistics

Undergrad Research

create knowledge in any discipline with the office of undergrad research

search more resources

Additional Language Courses of Study

"All the best classes I've taken at WashU have been Linguistics classes. You can tell the professors care about the students and their learning, and that's made a huge impact on my academic experience."

― Sam Loomis Class of '21

Still have questions?

Contact us for more information about the Linguistics Program

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