Department of Classical and Modern Languages

Student Guide

Foreign languages are not just for teachers and interpreters. Immersing yourself in another language and its culture is the best way to participate in today's global community. Through language learning, you'll learn to see the rest of the world with new eyes and get a fresh perspective on your home country.

Foreign languages provide personal enrichment and expanded career opportunities. Language learning grants the ability to travel and enjoy diverse communities, their art, their food and their ways of life. Knowing a foreign language lets you connect to the world like never before.

For many employers, your ability to communicate with partners and clients abroad will be just as important as your primary skills. In fields as diverse as business, law, medicine, government service and communication, a second language and experience abroad can give you the competitive edge you need to succeed.

Foreign languages are not just for teachers and interpreters. Immersing yourself in another language and its culture is the best way to join today’s global community.

Becoming bilingual is not only personally enriching, but it will also open up new job opportunities. For many employers, your ability to communicate with new partners and clients will be just as important as your primary skills.

Possible career areas include: government, social services, education, library, scientific fields, travel and tourism, business and communication.

The college of Arts and Sciences requires foreign language study for both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. The Bachelor of Arts degree requires students to reach an intermediate level of study for a single foreign language. The Bachelor of Science degree requires students to study a foreign language for two complete semesters.

There are different ways to fulfill the language requirement. To learn more, follow this link

Students who have studied a second language in high school and wish to continue studying the same language should consider one of our many placement exams. Students of French and Spanish are required to take a placement exam if they have prior language study. There are placement exam options available for each of our languages, and to learn more follow this link