Foreign Languages Colleges

From Spanish to Japanese, Foreign Languages majors lean how to read, write and speak one or several different languages. Many programs also include classes covering the literature or culture of the corresponding country or countries. In this major, it helps to have a knack for learning new languages. If you’re interested in traveling to the areas where the language is spoken or becoming active in Foreign Languages study groups, you’ll have a better chance of sounding like a local down the road.

Usually, Foreign Languages majors enroll in college or university bachelors degree programs. Masters degrees are also popular. Technical schools, career colleges, community colleges, online schools, 4-year colleges and universities also offer certificates and associates degrees.

If you’re interested in a Foreign Languages program, consider all of the majors offered: African Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; American Indian/Native American Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; American Sign Language (ASL); Ancient Near Eastern and Biblical Languages, Literatures and Linguistics; Ancient/Classical Greek Language and Literature; Arabic Language and Literature; Celtic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; Chinese Language and Literature; Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; Classics and Languages, Literatures and Linguistics; Comparative Literature; Czech Language and Literature; Danish Language and Literature; Filipino/Tagalog Language and Literature; Foreign Languages and Literatures; Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; French Language and Literature; General American Sign Language (ASL); General East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; General Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; General Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; General South Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; German Language and Literature; Hebrew Language and Literature; Iranian/Persian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; Italian Language and Literature; Japanese Language and Literature; Korean Language and Literature; Language Interpretation and Translation; Latin Language and Literature; Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services; Linguistics; Linguistics of ASL and Other Sign Languages; Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; Modern Greek Language and Literature; Norwegian Language and Literature; Other East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; Other Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; Other Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; Polish Language and Literature; Portuguese Language and Literature; Romanian Language and Literature; Russian Language and Literature; Sanskrit and Classical Indian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; Scandinavian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; Sign Language Interpretation and Translation; Slavic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; Slavic, Baltic, and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics; Spanish Language and Literature and Swedish Language and Literature.

Find Schools Offering Foreign Languages Degree Programs

Choosing a Foreign Languages School

Over 1,000 schools offer Foreign Languages programs including technical schools, career colleges, community colleges, online schools, 4-year colleges and universities. Before you choose a school, find out what kinds of opportunities you’ll have to immerse yourself in the language and culture from school-sponsored cultural activities to study abroad programs. Having native speakers on staff can help you learn the language, too. If you’re interested in using your language skills in business or education, make sure the appropriate courses are offered.

Find Foreign Languages Schools

Foreign Languages Degree Programs

Many students choose to earn a college or university bachelors degree in Foreign Languages. During a 4-year program you’ll have plenty of time to learn how to read, write and speak one or more language. You’ll also have time to study aboard and to minor in another area like business that will help you translate your skills to a career. Other students seek a masters degree in Foreign Languages after earning a bachelors degree in another area first.

Certificate and associate career training degrees, often offered at career colleges and community colleges, can help students learn languages and foreign cultures, too. Certificates are often a good supplement to another degree and can give you an edge when searching for jobs that may require interacting with foreign languages—positions in the travel industry for example.

Foreign Languages Degree Programs:

Online Foreign Languages Degree Programs at Online Schools

A handful of colleges and universities offer Foreign Languages online degree programs. If you study language through an online school, you can learn at your own pace and on your own time. However, you will miss out on the chances to speak with other students and professors face-to-face. Online degree programs may be best for students who want to focus on reading and writing languages.

Online Foreign Languages Degree Programs:

Online Foreign Languages Schools:

High School Preparation

During high school future Foreign Languages majors should expose themselves to as many languages as possible. If you can, take several years of one language and sign up for introductory courses in others. Consider taking a class at a local community college to try your hand at a less popular language such as Portuguese or Korean. If you can travel to other countries where the language is spoken to try your skills with natives. You should also join any school foreign language clubs so you can practice with your classmates.

Find Schools Offering Foreign Languages Degree Programs

Popular Careers in the Field of Foreign Languages

As languages beyond English begin to dominate the global marketplace and the United States, more Foreign Languages experts will be required. The career possibilities for Foreign Languages degree-holders vary greatly as do potential salaries. Most Foreign Languages majors will need an expertise in another area for a successful career.

Often Foreign Languages degrees lead to careers as interpreters and translators earning between $29,000 and $52,000 a year. Many students in this major go on to teach languages at the high school or college level, or even in continuing education programs. Annul wages typically range from $41,000 to $77,000. Other students use language skills for careers in international business and technology, travel, international relations, culinary arts, court reporting, research or fashion design.

Find Schools Offering Foreign Languages Degree Programs

Collapse