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<p>Logical languages, perhaps?</p>
<p>Spoken languages are fascinating on their own, but then you have the fact that there is a whole biological faculty for universal grammar to explore, because processing and acquiring spoken languages is what the “universal grammar” module is meant for. A vast field for neuroscientists and information scientists to explore. Whereas you have to consciously realise syntax errors for logical languages – a misplaced semicolon in a C# source won’t jar your ears. 
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<p>Chomsky I think, has had both a negative and positive effect on linguistics. His rejection of evolutionary theory (not so much as the theory itself but its applications for linguistics) however has been detrimental. To me, combining math and language theory should be standard, not “novel”. 
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<p>I wouldn’t mind taking placement tests (and of course, I have to take my own batch now, as an incoming freshman). Just not spending five years, or worse, six years , as an undergraduate. </p>
<p>Is it possible to have an engineering-influenced major and then maybe commit to engineering in the form of graduate or professional school?</p>