Linguist vs CompScientist?

[Chris Manning]

Hi Laura,

I think the actual day-to-day experiences barely differ in terms of what
you _can_ do, but certainly differ in terms of what you _have_to_ do.
It of course varies according to the school, but typically, if you are
in a linguistics department you'll have to do courses in syntax,
phonology, etc., while in a CS dept you'll typically have to do courses
or exams in compilers, operating systems, etc.  It also differs in terms
of what one is likely to do and who one is most likely to spend time
with: one's peer group makes a difference.

I agree that you would have the easiest 'in' in a linguistics dept -- I
think many CS depts would tell you to do a masters degree first.  And it
is certainly true that having a CS degree would give you an easier
entree into many industry jobs.

Best,

Chris Manning.