Study language
If you're thinking "I want to teach English as a second language", consider our Linguistics + teaching of English as a second language programs.
Linguistics + TESL prepares undergraduates to teach English as an additional language in private and boarding schools in the US and in international, public, and private schools outside the US, as well as work in international English language teaching, publishing, and testing companies and organizations. Linguistics + TESL majors interested in seeking a graduate degree will have relevant training and coursework to prepare them for master and PhD degrees in a wide range of disciplines related to linguistics, education, and psychology.
Teaching English as a Second Language
The University of Illinois offers extensive training in the field of teaching of English as a second language. To check out classes to teach English as a second language and more, visit our website by clicking the 'Learn more' button.
Major in linguistics + TESL at Illinois
Inspiring professors
When you attend Illinois, you'll take interesting classes with professors doing ground-breaking research.
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Meet Xun Yan
Follow Emma Coonan, a student in global studies and Spanish as she interviews Xun Yan, a professor in the department of linguistics.
Linguistics
If you’re not interested in teaching but love language, you can study linguistics! The linguistics major is designed to provide essential background in all the core areas of theoretical linguistics, and to ensure that students are familiar with more than one foreign language, including at least one non-western language. Considerable freedom is allowed in selecting more advanced courses, and students may choose to emphasize any of several subareas of linguistics in designing their major.
Hear from current students
LAS Insider—a liberal arts and sciences blog—highlights the backgrounds and passions of LAS students, showcasing how they navigate their college journeys and make the most of their time at the University of Illinois.