Language and communication are a huge part of everyday life. They give us insights into the minds of others—from how we decipher advertisements, to how we feel about ourselves or how we speak with friends and family. 

Studying applied linguistics means increasing your understanding of how language works in a wide range of personal, social and professional environments. It also encompasses how we interact with each other and how we negotiate and establish identity.

With a major in Applied Linguistics, you’ll learn how to express yourself effectively in written and spoken modes, and how the way you communicate helps or hinders your relationships. The major in applied linguistics will touch on practical issues such as the relationship between languages, cultures and societies; the acquisition of second and foreign languages; the teaching and learning of languages; language policy; and cross-cultural communication.

With these skills, you could find yourself teaching languages other than English, negotiating business deals or working with primary and high school students.