After Wellesley

What can I do with a major in cognitive & linguistic sciences?

Contemporary approaches to research in a number of areas are increasingly interdisciplinary. Therefore, cognitive and linguistic sciences majors are desirable applicants to graduate programs in any of the disciplines represented in the concentrations. Former majors in cognitive science have gone on to graduate work in psychology, linguistics, philosophy, and computer science at leading institutions. Although there are programs that grant advanced degrees in cognitive science (see below), students must typically enter the institution through standing departments.

Cognitive & linguistic sciences also provides excellent background for students interested in any profession that involves understanding the workings of the human mind. It is particularly useful for those interested in pursuing careers in education, law, speech pathology, marketing/advertising, software design, human-computer interaction, and behavioral economics.

Students interested specifically in career paths in linguistics should look at the Linguistic Society of America's website called Why Major in Linguistics?

Graduate Programs in Cognitive Science and Related Areas

By no means exhaustive of the possibilities for advanced training in cognitive science and related areas, the following list includes some of the more prominent degree-granting programs in cognitive science. Students should investigate the Cognitive Science Society site.

Students interested in programs in linguistics should consult this Linguistics Society of America website.

What Can I Do with a Degree in Linguistics?

Students who have concentrated in linguistics at Wellesley College have gone on to careers in law, teaching, speech pathology, the health professions, and technology, among others. Some have also pursued advanced degrees in the field. For those interested in pursuing a graduate degree in linguistics, a good place to start looking for appropriate programs would be the LSA Directory of Programs.

Connections to the departmental websites of some of the well-known graduate programs in linguistics are provided below. The list is by no means exhaustive; there are many additional programs to consider. Students should determine whether the particular strengths of individual programs meet their educational goals before applying. Faculty in the cognitive and linguistic sciences program can assist students planning to attend graduate school with these decisions.