Bachelor's Degree in Computational Linguistics

What will I learn in a computational linguistics degree program?

You'll focus on three main areas in the computational linguistics degree program:

Computer science and engineering: You'll learn to understand methods and techniques in computer science through courses that cover topics like machine learning, big data and artificial intelligence.
Linguistics: You'll take courses that focus on both language's structural properties and its social uses so that you can bring a linguistic perspective to technological tools and use computational methods to answer linguistic questions.
World languages: A unique aspect of the computational linguistics degree at the University of Nevada, Reno is the focus on languages like Spanish or French, and you'll develop proficiency in one of these languages during your degree.

You also might work on one of our research and development projects.

This interdisciplinary perspective prepares graduates for careers in the in-demand field of computational linguistics, and the emphasis on foreign language proficiency gives you a unique skill set that can be applied here in Nevada or around the globe.

Meet your professors

The computational linguistics degree is interdisciplinary in nature. Your professors come from departments around the University, but the primary coursework for your major comes from the Department of Computer Science, the Department of English and the Department of World Languages and Literature. See the Computational Linguistics faculty section.

Why our program is unique

The interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree in Computational Linguistics at the University is a collaborative program shared between the Department of Computer Science (within the College of Engineering), and the Department of English and Department of World Languages and Literatures (within the College of Liberal Arts). The program emphasizes training in programming, machine learning, data systems and artificial intelligence; rigorous preparation in linguistic theory; and strong second language skills in Spanish or French.

Careers

Computational linguistics is a highly viable and sought-after commercial application of linguistics. Graduates in computational linguistics are in wide demand and command high salaries. They might work in the development of cutting-edge technologies such as AI, computer-aided translation, data science, software development or higher education. Leading tech companies like Meta, Amazon and Google frequently hire computational linguists. Other fields, including the biomedical industry, finance, game design and educational testing increasingly are turning to computational linguists to help them stay at the forefront of their industries.

Projects

Automated Translation Tool for Near-Real-Time Translation in Time-Sensitive Scenarios
This project involves the development of a mobile software application to accomplish real-time translation from/to English and Spanish (and eventually other languages as well, including Tagalog and Northern Paiute). The project is in response to an identified need in the Reno community and across Nevada, namely to resolve the translation barrier many residents face when interacting with healthcare providers, government offices, essential services such as utility providers or in retail. The app will be compatible with iOS and Android devices. The project is supported by a generous grant from the Bean Foundation.

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Admissions information

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You can afford the University of Nevada, Reno

76% of students receive financial aid

Almost everyone is eligible to receive some kind of aid. We offer need-based and merit-based forms of financial aid to help you afford college.

54% of all students graduate with no debt

That's right. More than half of our students leave the University of Nevada, Reno with no student debt.

Related programs

Computer Science and Engineering, B.S.

English, B.A.

French, B.A.

Spanish, B.A.

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