Linguistics and Computer Science

Linguistics and Computer Science BA

The major combines the basic courses of the general linguistics program with that of computer science, accommodating students who want professional preparation in computer science but do not necessarily have a strong interest in computer systems hardware. The goal of linguistics is the enrichment of knowledge about the nature, grammar, and history of human language. Linguistics is a theoretical discipline, akin to philosophy, anthropology, and cognitive psychology.

The Linguistics and Computer Science major has the following learning outcomes:

• Ability to apply critical thinking skills through linguistic data analysis in phonetics, phonology, syntax, and at least one other subfield
• Understanding of advanced theoretical concepts and/or analytical techniques in at least one subfield
• Ability to write technical material in linguistics, including language description and theory-based analysis
• Ability to access scholarly literature on language structure and use it in research

Required: Linguistics 20, Computer Science 31, 32, 33, 35L, Mathematics 31A or 31AL, 31B, 61, Philosophy 31, completion of the third term in one foreign language.

Transfer applicants to the Linguistics and Computer Science major with 90 or more units must complete as many of the following introductory courses as possible prior to admission to UCLA: one introduction to linguistics course, two calculus courses, one symbolic logic course, four computer programming courses, and two years of one foreign language or one year in each of two foreign languages. One discrete structures course is recommended.

Refer to the UCLA transfer admission guide for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.

Required: Eleven upper-division courses as follows: Linguistics 102 (or 103), 119A (or 120A), 120B, 120C, 165A (or 165B or 165C), 185A, one course selected from 104, 127, 132, 165A, 165B, 165C, 180, 185B; Computer Science 131, 132 or 161, 180, 181.