To receive an undergraduate certificate (at least 15 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.
Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates, if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program). See the "Details" tab for additional information.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 15 |
| Major GPA | 2.0 |
Purpose Statement
The Undergraduate Certificate in Linguistics introduces students to the scientific/analytic study of language, with a particular focus on English and applied language studies. At the completion of the certificate, students will have an in-depth understanding of how human languages are constructed, acquired, and processed, and how language use varies depending on social and cultural factors, context, and goals of communication. This certificate provides students with ample opportunity to 1) practice thinking about language systematically and analytically; 2) synthesize information on a range of language-related topics considering broader themes in the field and communicate findings effectively in spoken and written form; and 3) understand the scientific study of language phenomena including experimental design, data collection and analysis, hypothesis testing, and theory building. The Undergraduate Certificate in Linguistics can thus help students develop skills required to compete in graduate and professional programs related to language as well as to succeed in careers that involve analytical thought, effective communication, and in-depth understanding of language.
Student Learning Outcomes
General Knowledge of English
1.1 Students will provide informed (and in some cases individual) definitions and examples of linguistic processes, structures, and changes the English language.
1.2 Students will describe and account for the differences and relationships among various sub-fields of linguistics, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, pragmatics, psycholinguistics, and sociolinguistics through homework and exams.
2.1 Students will describe and evaluate critically the attitudes that people hold about their own language(s) and others’ languages, and the roles those attitudes play in education, cross cultural communication, and other settings.
2.2 Students will understand the characteristics of various tools for collecting, analyzing, and evaluating data to test hypotheses.
3. Students will know key concepts and terminology in various sub-fields of linguistics, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, pragmatics, psycholinguistics, and sociolinguistics through homework and exams.
4.1 Students will demonstrate how language varies according to technological, regional, social, and historical factors.
4.2 Students will demonstrate control of basic analytical tools and linguistic techniques in the examination of linguistic data to identify and interpret linguistic patterns and state generalizations.
5.1 Students will account for the diversity of language experience and language use through response papers and exams.
5.2 Students will describe and evaluate critically the attitudes that people hold about their own language(s) and others’ languages, and the roles those attitudes play in education, cross cultural communication, and other settings.
5.3 Students will describe the usefulness and relevance of linguistic knowledge to real-world experiences and career choices through in-class discussions and exams.
Proficiencies
6.1 Students will engage in scientific reasoning when it comes to understanding various linguistic phenomena by formulating testable hypotheses.
6.2 Students will carry out tests of hypotheses using research methods appropriate to the field of linguistics.
7.1 Students will communicate results of scientific investigation through presentations and final project of relevant course(s).
7.2 Students will know how to write empirical research reports, such as literature reviews, research questions, hypotheses, methods, analyses, results, and discussion.
7.3 Students will know how to summarize and synthesize pertinent research on a range of topics in linguistics.
7.4 Students will know how to cite different kinds of academic resources appropriately with academic integrity.
8. Students will recognize and be able to produce a scientific writing style conforming to the conventions and research traditions within the field of linguistics with simplicity, power, and conciseness to communicate with one’s audience effectively.
9. Students will know how to design a study, collect empirical data, and analyze results based on testable hypotheses in order to propose suitable explanations for linguistic phenomena and language uses in various contexts.
Applications and Attitudes
10. Students will apply the theoretical and practical knowledge gained in linguistics while searching for various career opportunities such as in teaching English as a Second or Foreign language and working with diverse populations who are in need of second and foreign language education.
11. Students will become aware of various language-related issues and consequences by encouraging the dissemination of theoretical and practical knowledge in linguistics to the wider society.
Take the following 15 units with a cumulative 3.0 in all certificate courses:
We will accept a maximum of 6 units of lower-division coursework toward this certificate.
The certificate is not available to students in the English BA or the English Minor.
This certificate may only be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program. This certificate is not available as a stand-alone certificate.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.