In the combined major in linguistics and communication studies, students learn about the formal structures and analysis of human languages across multiple levels (sounds, words, phrases and sentences, meaning) while simultaneously mastering the fundamentals of effective communication and of communication theory and practice. Students receive extensive training in writing and speaking, both for a technical audience and more generally; and they explore the role of language and communication in society, both from a broad theoretical perspective and in narrower, more focused and applied domains.
Complete all courses listed below unless otherwise indicated. Also complete any corequisite labs, recitations, clinicals, or tools courses where specified and complete any additional courses needed beyond specific college and major requirements to satisfy graduation credit requirements.
Universitywide Requirements
All undergraduate students are required to complete the Universitywide Requirements.
BA Language Requirements
All BA students are required to complete the BA degree language requirements, for a total of 12 semester hours of language study or demonstrated equivalent proficiency, as described in Additional Requirements for BA students. Successful demonstration of proficiency does not reduce total minimum semester hours of study required to earn the BA degree.
NUpath Requirements
All undergraduate students are required to complete the NUpath Requirements.
Linguistics Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Linguistics Foundations | ||
| LING 1150 | Introduction to Linguistics | 4 |
| LING 2350 | Linguistic Analysis | 4 |
| LING 3412 | Language and Culture | 4 |
| Linguistic Structure | ||
| Complete three of the following: | 12 | |
| Phonetics | ||
| Phonology | ||
| Morphology | ||
| Syntax | ||
| Semantics | ||
| Linguistics Electives | ||
| Complete two courses not used to fulfill other degree requirements from the following options: | 8 | |
LING 3000 to LING 4999 1 | ||
| ASL Linguistics | ||
- 1
Please visit the Linguistics Courses page within this catalog to review the list of courses in the LING 3000 - LING 4999 range.
Communication Studies Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Common Requirements | ||
| COMM 1101 | Introduction to Communication Studies | 4 |
| COMM 1112 | Public Speaking | 4 |
| or COMM 2301 | Communication Research Methods | |
| Foundation Course | ||
| Complete 4 semester hours from the following: | 4 | |
| Persuasion and Rhetoric | ||
| Communication Theory | ||
| Principles of Organizational Communication | ||
| Communication in a Digital Age | ||
| Cluster Course | ||
| Complete 4 semester hours from the following: | 4 | |
| Sex, Relationships, and Communication | ||
| Global and Intercultural Communication | ||
| Communication and Gender | ||
| Communication Law | ||
| Free Speech in Cyberspace | ||
| Writing Intensive Courses | ||
| Complete 8 semester hours from the following: | 8 | |
| Mobile Communication | ||
| Health Communication | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Communication and Inclusion | ||
| Political Communication | ||
| Communication Criticism | ||
| Environmental Issues, Communication, and the Media | ||
| Free Speech: Law and Practice | ||
| Communication and Sexualities | ||
| Theories of Conflict and Negotiation | ||
| Nonverbal Social Interaction | ||
| Youth and Communication Technology | ||
| Crisis Communication and Image Management | ||
| Communication Studies Electives | ||
| Complete 12 semester hours from the following: | 12 | |
COMM courses between COMM 1100 - 4999, which have not been used to satisfy other degree requirements. | ||
| Visual Storytelling in Journalism | ||
| Introduction to Film Production | ||
MSCR courses in the ranges MSCR 2100 - 2999, MSCR 3100 - 3999, MSCR 4100 - 4999. | ||
| Public Relations Principles | ||
| Public Relations Practice | ||
Integrative Requirement Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete 8 semester hours from the following: | ||
| COMM 2500 | Analyzing Conversations in Everyday Life | 4 |
| LING 3442 | Sociolinguistics | 4 |
Capstone Experience Course
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete 4 semester hours from the following: | ||
| COMM 4102 | Health Communication Campaigns | 4 |
| or COMM 4530 | Communication and Quality of Life | |
| or COMM 4608 | Strategic Communication Capstone | |
| or COMM 4625 | Online Communities | |
| or COMM 4901 | Seminar in Communications | |
| or LING 4654 | Seminar in Linguistics | |
Supporting Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to College | ||
| COMM 1000 | Communication Studies at Northeastern | 1 |
| or INSC 1000 | Science at Northeastern | |
| Experiential Learning Introduction | ||
| EEAM 2000 | Professional Development for Co-op | 1 |
| or EESC 2000 | Professional Development for Co-op | |
| Writing Requirements | ||
| First-Year Writing | ||
| ENGW 1111 | First-Year Writing | 4 |
| or ENGW 1102 | First-Year Writing for Multilingual Writers | |
| or ENGW 1114 | First-Year Writing with Service-Learning | |
| Advanced Writing in the Disciplines | ||
| COMM 3409 | Advocacy Writing | 4 |
| or ENGW 3314 | Advanced Writing in the Arts, Media, and Design | |
| or ENGW 3315 | Interdisciplinary Advanced Writing in the Disciplines | |
| or ENGW 3307 | Advanced Writing in the Sciences | |
NUPath Requirements
The following NUPath Requirements are met by the major:
- Analyzing and Using Data (AD)
- Conducting Formal and Quantitative Reasoning (FQ)
- Demonstrating Thought and Action in a Capstone (CE)
- Employing Ethical Reasoning (ER)
- Engaging Differences and Diversity (DD)
- Engaging with the Natural and Designed World (ND)
- Exploring Creative Expression and Innovation (EI)
- Interpreting Culture (IC)
- Understanding Societies and Institutions (SI)
Other NUPath requirements may be fulfilled by electives in the program.
Communication Studies Grade Requirement
No more than two grades below a "C" in Communication Studies courses may be used to satisfy degree requirements.
Science GPA Requirement (Linguistics)
A minimum 2.000 GPA in the following course codes is required: LING
Linguistics and Communication Studies Major Credit Requirement
Complete 80 semester hours in the major.
Program Requirement
128 total semester hours required