College of Arts and Sciences
Linguistics
College of Arts and Sciences
Linguistics
Explore the Power of Language
with a BA in Linguistics from NMSU
Language is more than just words—it's the foundation of human connection, culture, and cognition. At New Mexico State University, the Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics offers an in-depth exploration of how language functions, evolves, and shapes our world. This interdisciplinary program equips students with analytical, communicative, and cultural competencies, preparing them for diverse careers in a globalized society.
Admission Deadlines
There are no fixed deadlines*
- Total classes: 40
- Total credit hours: 120
- Cost per credit hour: $223.58**
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
Graduates of the BA in linguistics program are well-prepared for a variety of careers and provides excellent preparation for graduate studies in linguistics, anthropology, psychology and related fields.
- Language Analyst
- Speech Scientist
- Communications Specialist
- Data Scientist
- Copywriter/Editor
- Language Educator
- Translation/Interpretation Specialist
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics? Fill out our inquiry form.
Unlock the Secrets of Language—Major in Linguistics
Are you curious about how language shapes our world? As a linguistics major, you’ll dive deep into the science of language—exploring how it’s structured, how it evolves, and how it influences everything from culture to technology. What you’ll experience:
Explore the Building Blocks of Language: Study sounds, words, grammar, and meaning through courses in phonetics, syntax, semantics, and more.
Connect Language to Society: Understand how language reflects identity, power, and culture through sociolinguistics and historical linguistics.
Get Hands-On with Real-World Tools: Analyze data, conduct fieldwork, and use cutting-edge software to study languages in action.
Think Across Disciplines: Combine linguistics with psychology, computer science, anthropology, or philosophy to open doors to careers in AI, education, translation, and more.
Join a Community of Curious Minds: Collaborate with faculty and peers in small classes, research projects, and student-led clubs.
Whether you dream of working in tech, education, healthcare, or global communication, a linguistics degree gives you the analytical and cultural insight to make an impact.
Second-Language Requirement
A two-year second language requirement ensures that graduates possess practical language skills, enhancing their global competence.
Scholarships Available
Get up to 100% of tuition covered with the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship.**
Students must complete all university degree requirements, which include: General Education requirements, Viewing a Wider World requirements, and elective credits to total at least 120 credits with 48 credits in courses numbered 300/3000 or above. Developmental coursework will not count towards the degree requirements and/or elective credits, but may be needed in order to take the necessary English and mathematics coursework. There is a two-year second language requirement.
The strong interdisciplinary nature of the major in linguistics lends itself to combining with other programs. Students fulfilling the requirements for the major in linguistics are encouraged to complete either a minor or an additional major to enhance their academic pursuits.
Take classes like:
- LING 2110G - Introduction to the Study of Language and Linguistics
- LING 303 - Exploring Language Systems
- LING 302V - Language and Society
- LING 425 - Language and the Mind: Introduction to Psycholinguistics
- ANTH 320 - Anthropological Linguistics
- COMM 3510 - Organizational Communication
The Department of Linguistics provides a supplementary major in Latin American Studies that may be taken in addition to a regular major. The program is designed for students to gain a comprehensive understanding of Latin American societies through courses in language, culture, history, politics and economics.
The Latin American Studies program is designed to allow students to choose between two concentrations.
- Option 1: Concentration in Latin American Language, Culture and Literature (Spanish or Portuguese)
- Option 2: Concentration in a major such as history, government, economics, health science, anthropology, or sociology
The Latin American Studies supplemental major consists of 24 credits, including 18 credits numbered 300 or above. In addition, students must satisfy the College of Arts and Sciences Second Language Requirement.
Take classes like:
- PHLS 4610 - Health Disparities: Determinants and Interventions
- SPAN 491 - History of the Spanish Language
- SPAN 388 - Contemporary Hispanic Literature
- SPAN 412 - Spanish-American Poetry
- SPAN 422 - Cultural Production of Hispanic Revolutions and Wars
- PHLS 4660 - U.S.-Mexico Border Health Issues
The Department of Linguistics provides a supplementary major in Chicano Studies that may be taken in addition to a regular major. The program integrates courses from the humanities, social sciences, education, and health and physical sciences, covering topics such as literature, history, psychology, law, and public health.
The Chicano Studies supplemental major consists of 24 credits, including 18 credits numbered 300 or above.
Take classes like:
- SPAN 327 – Spanish in the Community
- SPAN 448 – U.S.–Hispanic Film
- CJUS 414 - Race, Crime and Justice
- EDUC 3120 - Multicultural Education
- POLS 399 - New Mexico Law
- PHLS 4660 - U.S.-Mexico Border Health Issues
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.