Department of Languages and Linguistics
Studying language is more than cultural appreciation — it is essential preparation for life in a globally connected world. You will gain tools for critical thinking, communication, and leadership, setting you apart in any field.
Through in-depth language study, you will develop flexible thinking and intercultural competencies— all while building a global perspective that lasts a lifetime. Language becomes your passport to opportunity with a majority of U.S. employers reporting a reliance on language skills other than English (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).
Whether or not you choose a career where you’re regularly using a language other than English, studying language helps you develop the “soft skills” employers are seeking. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) identifies eight career readiness competencies. Among them, several are key features of language courses:
- Communication (oral and written)
- Critical Thinking (gathering and analyzing information, making comparisons)
- Equity and Inclusion (fostering intercultural competency)
- Teamwork (pair and group work)
Our majors complement language studies with a double major or a minor in a wide range of disciplines across the university. Programs offer the opportunity to study abroad for a summer, semester, or academic year through affiliated and fully accredited programs in Argentina, Chile, France, Italy and Spain.
Our students graduate ready not just to adapt to a changing world — but to shape it with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
