Computational Linguistics Minor

Program Description

A Computational Linguistics minor invites students to engage in an intellectually vital scientific discipline and to gain an overview of techniques used to model natural languages and to represent linguistic phenomena. By studying language from a computational perspective, students can position themselves on the cutting edge of a fast-growing interdisciplinary field that explores the use of computers to process and produce human language. As a result, students begin to acquire practical tools that can benefit society in significant ways and thus help them to become effective agents of positive change in the world.

This interdisciplinary minor provides you with a foundation in the linguistic analysis of human communication, computer science, and statistics to help prepare you for graduate study or for an eventual career in the high-demand fields of natural language processing and artificial intelligence.

Entering and Completing the Minor

In order to earn a degree, you must complete at least one academic major. Minors are not required except for students in the Professional Studies (BA). SPU encourages students to explore various academic paths, including minors, so if you change your mind about a minor or want to include an additional minor, you are able to do so as outlined below.

Note that the University encourages you to enter your chosen minor(s) as soon as you have determined it and are eligible to join it, especially by the start of your junior year. Students who transfer as juniors and seniors should enter a minor within their first two quarters at SPU.

If this is your first quarter at SPU, request entrance to your minor in Banner by following these instructions.
If you are an SPU student with an SPU cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, follow these instructions to enter a minor in this department.
The University requires a grade of C- or better in all classes that apply to a minor; however, programs may require higher minimum grades in specific courses. You may repeat an SPU course only once for a higher grade.
To advance in this program, meet with your faculty advisor regularly to discuss your grades, course progression, and other indicators of satisfactory academic progress. If your grades or other factors indicate that you may not be able to successfully complete the minor, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing a different minor.
You must complete the minor requirements that are in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year you enter the minor.