Your degree in Linguistics

Skills you’ll develop

While studying Linguistics, you’re learning about one of the most fundamental things that makes us human: our language. You’ll develop important skills within a highly interdisciplinary field that combines research methods from the humanities, social, natural, and mathematical sciences.

These skills may include:

• Applying logical thinking to analyze how language has evolved through history and can be taught and preserved
• Analyzing the structural properties of language and how it is processed
• Researching, collecting, synthesizing, and presenting information across various subjects
• Critical thinking that demonstrates an awareness of cultural, historical, and social contexts 
• Carrying out fieldwork and analyzing sounds, words, sentences, and meanings in real-world language
• Collaborating in team situations with people from diverse professional, academic, and cultural backgrounds
• Clear and concise written communication drawing upon a deep understanding of language
• Public speaking and debating abilities that demonstrate persuasive, carefully reasoned arguments and comprehensive knowledge of linguistic theories and ideas

Career possibilities

Linguistics is a particularly varied discipline, with possibilities to continue on in social, humanitarian, and scientific directions. Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including interpretation or translation, language teaching, communications, publishing, government, health services, speech recognition, artificial intelligence, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas.

Visit the Job Bank Canada website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field. Some career options may require further education or training.

Make the most of your program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities, develop your skillset, and help you clarify your values and interests.

• UBC Speech and Linguistics Student Association
  Meet other UBC students through events, peer tutoring, and volunteer opportunities.
• Departmental events
  Network with Linguistics students and faculty members at upcoming colloquia, seminars, and conferences.
• Linguistics research labs
  Check out current UBC research in the field of linguistics and contact these groups to see if there are opportunities to get involved.
• Language Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference
  Share your work, meet peers with similar interests, and learn about language-related research in Term 2.
• UBC Language Sciences
• Find out about interdisciplinary work in the language sciences happening across campus.
• Centre for Artificial Intelligence Decision-making and Action
  Volunteer in a research role focused on the development, analysis, and application of AI systems.
• Explore: French immersion program
  Travel to a francophone community in Canada, live with a host family or with other students, and practice your French while experiencing francophone culture.
• Teach English in Japan
  Engage in foreign language education and international exchange
• LSA Summer Institute
  Attend a month-long program of courses, lectures, workshops, and social events with faculty and staff from other Linguistics programs.
• North American Summer School for Logic, Language, and Information
  Join students and researchers from many disciplines for a series of courses and workshops on topics in the interdisciplinary study of logic, language, and information.
• European Summer School for Logic, Language, and Information
  Attend courses and workshops are offered in logic, linguistics and computer science.
• Explore career options
  Find additional resources and information on the Departments’ Beyond the BA webpage.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

• Canadian Artificial Intelligence Association
• Canadian Association for Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies
• Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers
• Canadian Association for Translation Studies
• Canadian Association of Applied Linguistics
• Canadian Communication Association
• Canadian Human-Computer Communications Society
• Canadian Linguistic Association
• Canadian Public Relations Society
• Culture Works Canada
• Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
• First Peoples’ Cultural Council
• Global Affairs Canada
• Generative Linguistics in the Old World
• International Phonetic Association
• Language Industry Association
• Linguistic Association of Canada and the United States
• Society of Translators and Interpreters of BC
• Society for Music Perception and Cognition
• Society for the Study of the Indigenous Languages of the Americas
• Special Interest Group on Human-Computer Interaction
• Speech and Hearing BC
• Speech-Language and Audiology Canada

Connect with alumni

Learn about possible career paths by browsing alumni stories or viewing the profiles of UBC Linguistics graduates on LinkedIn.

As you read, take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.

More information

Throughout your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.