We live in a world where virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, and ChatGPT are part of daily life. Because of this, tech companies need people who understand two things: how human language works and how to write the computer code that processes it.
At Portland State University (PSU), our Linguistics and Computer Science program gives you a strong background in both areas. You get the benefits of studying two fields without the extra work of a "double major."
This degree prepares you for a career in Natural Language Processing (NLP). This is a fast-growing field that mixes linguistics (the study of language), computer science, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The Only Program of Its Kind in the Region
Portland State is the only university in the Pacific Northwest where you can major in this specific combination of linguistics and computer science.
What You Will Learn
In this program, you will take classes in computer science, math, and linguistics. We also offer special classes focused entirely on Natural Language Processing.
During your degree, you will learn to:
- Connect the dots: See how linguistics, coding, and AI work together.
- Understand AI: Learn how languages work so you can understand tools like ChatGPT better.
- Analyze data: Use programming tools to study language patterns.
- Think ethically: Look at the social and moral issues in technology.
- Build solutions: Create real systems, like chatbots and translation apps, to solve problems.
- Value diversity: Understand why supporting many different languages is important in tech.
- Work together: Learn skills to help you work on teams with different types of experts.
Real-World Experience
You won’t just sit in a classroom. You will have the chance to finish a real-world project for credit.
Our teachers are experts in Applied Linguistics and Computer Science.
You can also learn about the newest discoveries by attending our monthly seminars on Natural Language Processing.
With a degree from PSU, you will be ready for jobs in AI and language technology. These are some of the fastest-growing spots in the tech industry.
Common Job Titles
- Computational Linguist: Teaching computers how to understand human language.
- Machine Learning Engineer: Building computer programs that learn from data.
- Data Scientist: Analyzing large amounts of information to find patterns.
- Speech Recognition Developer: Creating software that understands spoken words.
- UX Designer for Voice Apps: Designing how people talk to apps and devices.
Where You Can Work
You can find opportunities in many different industries, including:
- Technology companies
- Healthcare and hospitals
- Business and finance
- Education
- Government agencies
Many of our students also choose to continue their education in graduate school for computational linguistics or related fields.
If you want to shape how humans and computers talk to each other, this program is for you.