Linguistics
Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Arts & Science
Kathleen Wynne is not only Ontario's former premier, she's also a Linguistics grad.
Kathleen Wynne (M.A., 1980) served as the 25th premier of Ontario. Prior to becoming an MPP, she served as a school trustee in Toronto. She has played a major role as an organizer and facilitator, helping school communities grapple with education issues. Read more about Premier Wynne on LinkedIn.
What skills can Linguistics graduates use in their careers?
Within two years of entering the labour market, 84% with undergraduate degrees in this area of study are employed with a median salary of $45,108/year. 63% of those graduates go on to pursue further education. (Sources: Statistics Canada Employment Income and Further Education Data from Class of 2020.)
Industry Pathways
University of Toronto Linguistics alumni most frequently apply their problem solving and communication skills in these industries:
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Educational Technology (EdTech)
- Postsecondary Education (Colleges & Universities)
- UX/UI Design & Product Management
- Publishing & Editing
- Data Science & Analytics
- Translation & Interpretation
- Tutoring & Academic Support Services
Further Education Pathways
A Linguistics degree equips students with the critical thinking and research skills for a variety of academic next steps, including graduate programs in:
- Master of Arts (MA)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP)
- Master of Education (MEd)
- Master of Data Science / Analytics
- Master of Communication / Media Studies
- Master of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
- Teaching Certification
Exploring connections between your degree and career
Learn about yourself
Register for Job Shadowing to connect with professionals in your field of interest through a half- or full-day placement that helps clarify your goals and explore career paths.
Attend an In the Field program to meet professionals working in various roles within one organization. Prior groups have explored the work environments at YMCA Social Services and SickKids hospital.
Find a Work Study Position to apply your academic skills in paid, on-campus roles that offer hands-on experience and insight into career possibilities.
Join a career workshop or small group conversation to explore options, understand your strengths, and plan for your future. Visit the Career and Co-Curricular Learning Network (CLNx) for more information.
Build Your Network
Find the University of Toronto on LinkedIn and connect with peers, professionals, and alumni who can support your career journey.
Access U of T's Hub on Ten Thousand Coffees —an online networking platform with over 12,000 students and alumni—to exchange career advice, attend webinars, and explore career paths through one-on-one conversations.
Join networking events, panels, and career fairs through CLNx to connect with employers and alumni for career advice, informational interviews, and referrals.
Volunteer opportunities are a great ways to expand your connections and gain industry insight.
Explore identity-focused mentorship opportunities—like the Black Alumni Mentorship Program—to connect with mentors who share your lived experiences and can support your personal, academic, and professional growth. Student Life's Mentorship & Peer Programs also offer a range of identity-focused student engagement opportunities for Latin American, Southeast Asian, African Black Caribbean, and First Generation students to support academic and career wellness and foster a sense of belonging and community.
Explore Your Program
Explore your area of study by connecting with faculty and peers and finding opportunities that enrich your academic and professional journey.
Talk to professors to better understand your discipline and identify meaningful learning experiences.
Get involved in student groups and leadership roles to spark new ideas, expand your perspective, and open unexpected opportunities.
Take advantage of faculty advising and support services, and explore internships through professional associations to gain hands-on experience in your field.
Attend social and academic events, and a research conference organized by your student union SLUGS.
Work as a research assistant through a work-study position.
In sociolinguistics courses, get hands on experience collecting data and conducting interviews. In psycholinguistics courses, get hands on experience in collecting data. Take field methods to work with a speaker of another language to learn about their language.
As a Linguistics Specialist, learn one non-Romance, non-Germanic language before graduation.
Take JLS476H to gain experience working with people with speech disorders.
Take language revitalization to learn about how people go about revitalizing endangered languages.
Hone your analytic skills with courses in phonetics, phonology, syntax and semantics.
