Linguistics, Minor - COLA, UNH

Undergraduate

Linguistics

Explore the universal properties of language while studying how factors like region, social class and gender influence communication patterns.
2026
Degree
Minor
Location
Durham, NH
Courses
5
Credit
20 hrs.
Full-time
- -
Part-time
- -
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Linguistics

The Linguistics minor at UNH offers a versatile foundation in understanding how language shapes human communication and varies across cultures. Here you'll be able to explore the universal properties of language while studying how factors like region, social class and gender influence communication patterns. 

Whether you're majoring in psychology, computer science, anthropology or business, this minor enhances critical thinking and analytical skills while opening doors to careers in fields from speech pathology and translation to teaching and technology. With opportunities for internships and study abroad, the linguistics minor provides valuable insights that complement any academic or professional path.

Linguistics Program

Key Links

Tuition Costs

Contact Cards

Rachel Burdin
Associate Professor
Rachel.Burdin@unh.edu
Hamilton Smith Hall, Room 149m, Durham, NH 03824
(603) 862-1088

What is linguistics?

Linguistics is the study of language. What are the characteristics that all languages share and what makes each language distinctive? How does language vary according to region, social class, ethnicity and gender? In the linguistics minor, you’ll be introduced to the properties common to all human languages along with language history, function and acquisition. A linguistics minor can be combined with studies in many other fields, including anthropology, psychology,sociology, speech therapy and computer science.

Why study linguistics at UNH?

The linguistics minor at UNH provides a solid introduction to the field while also preparing you for further studies in areas such as law, speech or hearing science, or language. It’s a great fit if you’re interested in teaching English as a foreign language at home or abroad. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in an internship and take advantage of a variety of study abroad programs.

Potential careers

  • Analyst
  • Editor
  • English as a second language teacher
  • Interpreter
  • Knowledge engineer
  • Lexicographer
  • Speech pathologist
  • Translator

Curriculum & Requirements

01
Program Description
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Linguistics is the study of one of the most important characteristics of human beings—language. It cuts across the boundaries between the sciences and the humanities. Students interested in the minor should consult with Prof. Rachel Burdin, rachel.burdin@unh.edu, (603) 862-1088 the program coordinator, or with any professor who teaches linguistics courses. 

02
Requirements for the Program
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Academic policies related to Minors.

Required Course
ENGL 405Introduction to Linguistics4
or LING 405 Introduction to Linguistics
Electives
Select four (4) courses from the following:16
CMN 666
Conversation Analysis
ENGL 603
Phonetics
ENGL 604
Phonology
ENGL 605
Intermediate Linguistic Analysis
ENGL 606
Languages of the World
ENGL 607
Syntax
ENGL 608
Semantics
ENGL 715
Teaching English as a Second Language: Theory and Methods
ENGL 716
Curriculum, Materials and Assessment in English as a Second Language
ENGL 718
Morphology
ENGL 719
Sociolinguistics Survey
ENGL 727
Issues in Second Language and Multilingual Literacy
ENGL 728
Language and Gender
ENGL 752
History of the English Language
ENGL 779
Linguistic Field Methods
ENGL 790
Special Topics in Linguistics
ENGL 791
English Grammar
ENGL 793
Phonetics and Phonology
ENGL 794
Syntax
LING 603
Phonetics
LING 604
Phonology
LING 605
Intermediate Linguistic Analysis
LING 606
Languages of the World
LING 607
Syntax
LING 608
Semantics
LING 718
Morphology
LING 719
Sociolinguistics Survey
LING 728
Language and Gender
LING 779
Linguistic Field Methods
LING 790
Special Topics in Linguistics Theory
LING 793
Phonetics and Phonology
LING 794
Syntax
LLC 791
Methods of Foreign Language Teaching
PSYC 512
Psychology of Primates
PSYC 513
Cognitive Psychology
PSYC 712W
Psychology of Language
RUSS 733
History of Slavic Languages and Culture
SPAN 641
Spanish Language Variation & Change
SPAN 645
Intro to Spanish Linguistics
Total Credits20

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