A contract major in Linguistics is available to students who are interested in an in-depth scientific study of language (30 credits or more in Linguistics and related fields) and would like to graduate with a degree in Linguistics.
The purpose of the contract major is to enable highly motivated students to develop individual programs of study most appropriate to their particular academic interests. A contract major is normally interdisciplinary in nature, and may include regular courses, independent study, fieldwork, study at other institutions, and study overseas. Each contract major must include at least thirty credits and all other general degree requirements must be completed.
A student interested in a contract major must be sponsored by three faculty advisors from academic disciplines related to the contract. No more than two of the advisors may be from the same department.
Students seeking a contract major should apply before the end of their sophomore year, or at the latest by the end of the first semester of their junior year. A prospective contract major applicant should first consult with the Director of Linguistics to discuss the most appropriate program of study and the process of declaring the contract major.
The final proposal should consist of: an essay describing the major, how it fits in with the student’s plans after graduation, and why a combination of majors/minors and electives won’t accomplish the same thing (1-2 pages); a major plan organized by subject matter and semester courses are to be taken; and a signature sheet for the three faculty advisors, their corresponding deans, and the student. The complete application is to be submitted to the Director of Linguistics for review and approval. All materials will then be forwarded to the Dean’s Office for approval before declaring the major.
Double Majors: A student may major in more than one field. A double major with Linguistics complements a wide variety of fields, including Anthropology, Communication and Media, Communication Disorders, Computer Science, English, Foreign Languages, International Relations, Philosophy, Psychology, Political Science, and other disciplines. There must be at minimum a 15-credit difference between the two majors. Beyond the 15-credit difference, other courses may overlap.
