Linguistics Program

Linguistics is the scientific study of language, its structure, and its use in human communities. At the University of South Carolina we approach language from diverse interdisciplinary perspectives.

Linguistics: our interdisciplinary approach

Linguistics at South Carolina provides students with a strong background in linguistic theory and rich introduction to our subdisciplines. Graduate students are trained to pursue independent, original research and teach with excellence across the curriculum. The program affords graduates and undergraduates alike the opportunity to take coursework or pursue specializations in the linguistics of specific languages and language families, historical linguistics, linguistic anthropology, philosophy of language, phonology, psycholinguistics, second/foreign language acquisition and teaching, semantics, sociolinguistics and syntax.

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Diverse Departmental Collaborations

The Linguistics program collaborates with departments including Anthropology; English Language and Literature; Languages, Literatures, and Cultures; Philosophy; Psychology; the English Programs for Internationals; Communication Sciences and Disorders; Computer Science and Engineering; and Education. We are committed to building bridges with many disciplines and to illuminating the important role of language and the study of language in all aspects of our lives.

Degree Offerings

The Linguistics Program offers graduate degrees (MA and Ph.D. degrees) in Linguistics, as well as a graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL). At the undergraduate level, we offer a cognate as well as a minor in Linguistics. We are currently working to develop a brand new Linguistics Major. Stay tuned for updates!

Linguistics: Language from Inside and Out

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.