What extra courses should I take if I want to go into Computational Lingustics?

College Majors
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<p>I'm currently an undergrad student majoring in Linguistics and German and minoring in Computer Science and Math. I would like to eventually go to grad school for Computational Linguistics. The way I have my schedule planned out now, I have three elective courses leftover in my senior year, and I was wondering what I might want to fill them up with, either to look more competitive for grad school or to better prepare myself for the programs. For Linguistics, I'll have already taken classes on Phonetics, Phonology, Syntax, Psycholinguistics, Semantics, an Intro to Computational Linguistics, and a research seminar. For Computer Science, I'm definitely taking courses on Python and Java, and a course on Data Structures. For Math, I'm taking up to Calc II.</p>

<p>I've got three extra spots for courses, and I was wondering if I should fill them with more Linguistics courses or Computer Science/Math courses. I'm thinking the latter, but what should I take? I could take a courses on Discrete Math, Algorithms, Probability and Statistics, or Computer Systems Organization. Do any of those sound good for a prospective student of Comp Ling? Are there any other courses I should consider taking that might help me out in the long run? I know my programming skills are going to be pretty underdeveloped. How much of a detriment will this be? </p>

<p>Thanks for your help.</p>

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<p>Definitely take probability and statistics. Do you have the option to take a computer science class on formal languages (e.g. theory of computation)? That would seem very worthwhile. If that’s not an option, I would recommend a formal proof-based math class. Discrete Math is a good place to start, and usually required for a minor in computer science.</p>

<p>Just curious, how do you get a math minor with math only up through Calc 2?</p>

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<p>I was surprised by that, too. It’s a joint minor in Computer Science and Math. The Math requirements go up through Calc II, and that’s it. I don’t understand it either, but if it’s only one extra course, then why not? Also, I need Calc II for the Statistics class anyway. I don’t think my school offers any theory of computation classes that I could take without too many prerequisites. What kinds of classes would be formal proof-based for math? I’ll probably do Discrete Math, too.</p>

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<p>Take as many programming courses as you can along with discrete math and statistics. Then you’ll be set. Also, if your university happens to be doing any sort of research in the fields of linguistics or computer science, your participation would be a big thumbs-up to grad schools.</p>