Linguistics is the scientific study of language in all its aspects-from the smallest units of sound to the largest units of text and discourse. Because language permeates almost every human activity, people who understand its workings are expressly prepared to contribute to the advancement of human civilization and more especially, God's kingdom on earth. More information on programs in Linguistics can be found here.

The English Language major focuses on the detailed linguistic study of the English language as it occurs in actual use across communities and throughout history. Graduates of the English Language major should be able to analyze the structure and use of the English language, which includes analyzing sounds, grammar, vocabulary, historical change, social and regional variation, register, standardization, and other social aspects. From the major, students will gain detailed knowledge of the English language and language-based analytical skills. You can learn more about the major at the English language program page.

TESOL is the scientific study of teaching English in all its aspects to speakers of other languages. More information, including details on academic programs in TESOL, can be found here.

The English Language Center (ELC) program at Brigham Young University is under the direction of the Department of Linguistics and the Division of Continuing Education. The program is designed to develop fluency in English. There is no lower limit in English proficiency for admission. Multiple levels of English are provided for international students. They range from beginning to advanced. Attention is given to listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, and U. S. culture. The principal objective is to develop fluent, oral communication. Although students in this intensive program are not regularly-matriculated university students, they nevertheless have access to university library facilities, as well as to the ELC computer and resource centers. For more information, visit the English Language Center's website at http://www.elc.byu.edu. You can also visit the ESL program page.

The Linguistics & English Language Department at Brigham Young University does not currently offer any degree programs in American Sign Language (ASL); however, there are a number of classes in ASL taught at the University. Please see the ASL program page for more information.

Completing this new minor will demonstrate to potential employers that students have followed a well-thought-out curriculum in editing and publishing. They will learn marketable skills to help them find good jobs with book and journal publishers and with other corporations that need communication specialists.

The Editing minor will be challenging and rigorous: students will obtain both a theoretical base for editing and considerable training and practice in skills related to editing and publishing. Thus the minor will include three courses in the history and theory of the structure of English, three courses in editing skills (plus some introduction to other aspects of the publishing industry), and one course in related computer skills. For more information, please visit the Editing program page.