Linguistics and Computer Science: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this interdisciplinary program explore the dynamic intersection of human language and computational systems, developing expertise in both linguistic theory and advanced programming. The curriculum prepares learners to design intelligent systems that understand, process, and generate human language using data-driven and rule-based methods.
- Natural Language Processing (NLP): The development of algorithms and models that enable machines to interpret, analyze, and respond to human language in meaningful ways.
- Semantics: The study of meaning in language, focusing on how words, phrases, and sentences convey information within computational frameworks.
- Syntax: The structural rules governing sentence formation in human languages, applied to parsing and generating grammatically correct text by machines.
- Machine Learning: The application of statistical and computational techniques to build systems that improve language understanding through experience and data.
- Psycholinguistics: The scientific investigation of how humans acquire, process, and produce language, informing the design of more human-like AI systems.
- Linguistic Analysis: The systematic examination of language structure, variation, and use across different contexts and populations.
- Computer Programming: Core skills in coding and software development essential for implementing language technologies and computational models.
- Software Engineering: Principles and practices for designing, building, testing, and maintaining robust, scalable language-processing applications.
- Logic and Formal Systems: The use of formal reasoning and mathematical structures to model language phenomena and support automated inference.
Linguistics and Computer Science Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Linguistics and Computer Science Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Linguistics and Computer Science degrees, including Software Developers, Data Scientists and Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,983,710 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developers 15-1252 | $133,080 | $79,850 - $211,450 | 1,654,440 | $63.98 |
| Data Scientists 15-2051 | $112,590 | $63,650 - $194,410 | 233,440 | $54.13 |
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1021 | $96,690 | $48,910 - $172,380 | 36,240 | N/A |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1123 | $78,270 | $47,540 - $154,800 | 59,590 | N/A |
Linguistics and Computer Science Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $70,500 in Mississippi to $143,935 in California—a 104% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New York, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,983,710 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Linguistics and Computer Science by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Linguistics and Computer Science programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Linguistics and Computer Science is found at Stony Brook University (SBU) (4 graduates), and University of North Texas (UNT) (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 7 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stony Brook University (SBU) |
Master's
|
4 | Stony Brook, New York | Public | stonybrook.edu |
| University of North Texas (UNT) |
Master's
|
3 | Denton, Texas | Public | unt.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Linguistics and Computer Science programs
How much can I earn with a Linguistics and Computer Science degree?
Salaries for Linguistics and Computer Science graduates vary by role and location. Software Developers earn a median of $133,080 annually, while Data Scientists earn around $112,590. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $143,935 compared to $70,500 in Mississippi. Approximately 1,983,710 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Linguistics and Computer Science programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Linguistics and Computer Science degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Stony Brook University (SBU) (4 graduates), University of North Texas (UNT) (3 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Linguistics and Computer Science degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Software Developers, Data Scientists, and Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 1,983,710 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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