4 California Colleges for Foreign Language Majors

If you love to study languages, one of the well-regarded foreign language programs at these excellent California public universities may be right for you.

Photo: Raisingcaliforniatogether.org

If you want to major in a foreign language, it’s important that you choose a school with a good foreign language department. Not every college has an extensive language program, but if you’re planning on going to school in California, you’re in luck — the following four universities stand out when it comes to language education.

Now that you know which California colleges to apply to, you can begin working towards getting your degree in the foreign language that speaks to you.

1. University of California, Los Angeles

The University of California, Los Angeles, earned a spot on The Best College’s list of “10 Most Innovative Colleges for Foreign Language Study.” It’s easy to see why — UCLA’s Center for World Languages offers instruction in more than 40 languages and lays claim to the impressive Language Materials Project, an online bibliographic database of both learning and teaching that covers over 100 languages not commonly taught around the world.

2. California State University, Northridge

California State University, Northridge, is known for its in-depth Deaf Studies program that offers thorough instruction in American Sign Language (ASL), ASL/English translation, the principles of sign language interpretation and more. The school’s Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures offers majors in languages like Japanese and French.

3. University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley, recently invested $500,000 into expanding its foreign language program, successfully adding 30 new course offerings for students to choose from. The school’s Berkeley Language Center aims to support “the learning and teaching of heritage and foreign languages on the Berkeley campus and, where appropriate, in the University of California system.” The center is dedicated to bolstering research, learning materials, facilities and equipment and keeping language instructors up to date with new developments in the field.

4. University of California, Riverside

The University of California, Riverside’s Comparative Literature and Foreign Languages department offers nine majors overseen by a total of 40 faculty members. Students can major in everything from Asian literatures and cultures to Germanic studies. Those seeking grad degrees can choose from three tracks: interliterary studies, interdisciplinary studies and science fiction, science and literature.

Now that you know which California colleges to apply to, you can begin working towards getting your degree in the foreign language that speaks to you.

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