Linguistics takes a scientific approach to the study of language and develops skills in data analysis and scientific experimental methods. Linguistics students may or may not speak many languages, but they will definitely learn how to collect and analyze data about languages in an effort to answer these questions. At Washington University, linguistics is a special interdepartmental program that primarily serves undergraduates by offering a major and minor in the field, along with a second minor in Applied Linguistics.

The University also offers several other courses of study for students interested in other approaches to language. The language departments in Arts & Sciences offer comprehensive instruction in specific languages and literatures: Classics; East Asian Languages & Cultures; English; Jewish, Islamic, and Near Eastern Languages and Cultures; Germanic Languages & Literatures; and Romance Languages & Literatures. Several other academic units, including Education, International and Area Studies, Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology, and Psychology offer programs suitable for students interested in language.