Online Linguistics Degree Programs

Linguistics explores the patterns and development of human language, and linguists use sound systems, language theory, and language analysis to dissect various ways of speaking. Linguistics offers a specific, analytic skill set that can be applied to careers in education, writing, anthropology, speech recognition, communications, and law.

Online Degrees in Linguistics

Linguistics degrees are available at the certificate, associate's, bachelor's, master's, and PhD level--the degree you pursue will depend on your educational and career goals. Most certificate and associate's degree programs in linguistics offer career training for students who wish to teach English as a second language. Online degrees can be especially convenient for these individuals since they may need to work full time while making the career transition.

A bachelor's degree in linguistics usually takes four years to complete and includes coursework in phonics, computational linguistics, general linguistics, statistics, and English as a second language. Like other college degrees in the social sciences, a bachelor's degree in linguistics can lead to a variety of career paths and graduate school options.

Master's degree and PhD programs in linguistics allow students to become experts in a particular area of the field. Most master's degree programs can be completed in two years, while PhD programs take at least four years and require a dissertation. A PhD is generally required to teach at the university level.

Linguistics Career Paths

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a bachelor's degree in the social sciences can qualify students for entry-level positions as research assistants, market analysts, writers, and management trainees. Degrees in linguistics develop specific analysis and language skills valued in the following industries:

• Teaching
• Consulting
• Market Research
• Speech rehabilitation
• Law
• Technology development
• Technical writing

Whether you pursue a linguistics degree online or through a traditional campus program, you will develop language and critical thinking skills with multiple applications.

• Social Science Programs