Linguistics offers diverse career options, but many require a degree. Undergraduates may teach English abroad, work as dialect coaches or translators. Advanced degrees allow teaching, research, and legal consulting. Combining linguistics with other specializations can lead to speech therapy or language software design.
Those with a background in linguistics, or the study of language, can choose from a number of diverse careers. Note, however, that many jobs in linguistics require a degree. Those with an undergraduate degree in linguistics may be eligible for jobs such as teaching English in non-English speaking countries, working as a dialect coach or as a translator. Individuals with advanced degrees in linguistics can teach the subject at the university level, work as a researcher, or serve as a language consultant in the legal field. Those whose educational background combines the study of linguistics with some other area of specialization may be eligible for a variety of jobs, such as speech therapy or language software design.
Linguistics jobs for those with only an undergraduate degree in the field may be limited. These individuals may qualify to teach English as a second language in some foreign countries. They may also be able to work as a dialect instructor for actors, although this position also requires a minor degree in theater or some other dramatic experience. If a person has an advanced knowledge of a second language, an undergraduate degree in linguistics may qualify them to work as a translator.
Individuals with a linguistics degree at the master’s or doctoral level are generally eligible for a wider range of linguistics jobs than those with just an undergraduate degree. They may teach linguistics at a college or university, or write or edit textbooks for undergraduate and graduate linguistic studies. An advanced degree in linguistics may also qualify an individual to work at a research institute, a foundation that seeks to record and preserve tribal languages. Those with advanced linguistics degrees will also be able to work as language consultants in the legal and law enforcement fields, providing assistance with analyzing evidence related to language and voice.
Some jobs in linguistics require an educational background that combines knowledge of linguistics with training in some other area of specialization. For example, those wishing to work as speech therapists will likely need to supplement undergraduate studies in linguistics with a master’s degree in speech therapy in addition to completing licensure exams. An individual who wants to design speech recognition software will usually need training in linguistics and software engineering. Thus, she can choose to complete a degree in linguistics and a graduate degree in software design, or vice versa.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
