Linguistics (1)
Career & Academic Pathways >> Language & Communication
Contact Information
Richard Abend (Department Chair)
(831) 646-4112
rabend@mpc.edu

For Additional Info
• Download our Info Sheet
• Visit MPC Linguistics 
• Connect with a Counselor 

Program Overview

Linguistics is the scientific study of the nature and structure of human speech. MPC’s program offers one of the widest ranges of courses available at any community college in the U.S. today. Courses provide a broad introduction to phonetics, phonology, syntax, discourse analysis, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and language and gender as well as historical linguistics and lay a solid foundation for study at a four-year college.

Job Outlook

Linguistics is excellent preparation for individuals planning to become language teachers and is often a requirement for teaching certification, both in the U.S. and abroad.  Schools also depend heavily on support staff, teaching assistants, and tutors knowledgeable in linguistics. In addition, linguistics prepares individuals for careers that rely on a deeper understanding of how language works, such as speech pathology, computer programming, government and military positions, law, publishing, media, and public relations.

Potential Careers

Speech & Language Tutors

$31,120 - $65,450

*College Language Instructor
(may require additional training)

$51,150 - $169,230

*Computer Programmers
(may require additional training)

$60,840 - $155,210

*Speech-Language Pathologists
(may require additional training)

$62,780 - $126,000

*Lawyers
(may require additional training)

$75,610 - $208,000+

MPC Degrees and Certificates

  • Linguistics - Associate in Arts (AA)
  • Linguistics - Certificate of Achievement (COA)

Suggested Course Sequence (AA)

Year 1

FALL
 UNITS
 SPRING UNITS
ENGL 1A  3 ENGL 2  3
LIBR 50  1 FREN 1B, JPNS 1B, SIGN 1B  5
MATH 10 or 16  4     SPAN 2 or 2S
  

FREN 1A, JPNS 1A, SIGN 1A

 5

LING 10                             

3

   SPAN 1 OR 1S

  Area 3A 3
LING 15  3    
       
Total Fall Units
 16
 Total Spring Units
 14

Year 2

FALL
 UNITS
 SPRING UNITS
Area 1C 3 LING 25 3
FREN 2A, JPNS 2A, SIGN 2A 5 LING 45 3

   SPAN 3 or 3S

   Area 4 3 
UC Elective 3    US-1 rec.  
   LING 30, 35, 46, or 49 rec.   Area 5A & 5C 4
Area 5B 3 

UC Elective 

 3
   

   LING 30, 35, 46, or 49 rec.

  
       
Total Fall Units
 14 Total Spring Units 16

This is a suggested sequence of coursework and is one pathway for students to earn their degree/certificate. This is not an official educational plan. A counselor is able to assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. For more information about counseling and up-to-date program requirements, please visit www.mpc.edu/counseling. 

Testimonials 

Julie Larimer

I am an older student who returned to school just because I was interested in the subject of Linguistics. I decided to take a class last summer and I have to admit that I was pretty nervous about returning to the college setting. Although I have taken many continuing education classes and seminars for work, it had been so many years since I was in college and this was the first time in many years that I chose what to study solely because of my interest in the subject. That first class had me hooked and I am now finishing up my 3rd and 4th Linguistics courses, and have decided to pursue at least a certificate in the subject and perhaps a degree. The subject matter was already of interest to me but the way that Richard teaches and structures his classes is what really sealed the deal for me. He is very knowledgeable on the subject and clearly loves it which makes him a very strong teacher. His courses are quite challenging but if you do the reading and the work, you will find that you will do well. He responds to email and questions very promptly. He is very approachable and open to ideas that may conflict with his and conveys to the students that he wants them to do well. I am already seeing so many benefits in the current work that I am doing, due to the knowledge that I have gleaned from these classes. I could not be more pleased with the experience I have had at MPC so far.

Yoshimi Ishii

I stumbled into the MPC Linguistics program as part of my anthropology major. The instructor and content have wildly exceeded my expectations. I have been exploring the millefeuille layers of social undercurrent under the tutelage of Professor Abend. Human communication is the foundation of any undertaking. It touches generations across borders and carries ideas from person to person. Language is a treasure chest of culture, and our words have unimaginable power that ripples beyond the horizon and time. The knowledge you gain here will give you an advantage in any field because you will communicate more efficiently with sensitivity to maximize any opportunities.