Immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful campus towns and pursue OHIO’s language degrees at our residential campus in Athens — home to world-class faculty who are award-winning teachers and researchers at the top of their fields!
Modern Languages Undergraduate Programs
Connect to Cultures, Communities and Time Periods with a Modern Languages Degree
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… being able to connect with speakers of other languages, as you develop your skills in their language.
… being able to understand, and empathize with others, as you learn about other cultures and their histories.
… becoming a better communicator, as you unlock the mysteries and structures of languages and expression.
… becoming a resilient, critical, and creative thinker, as you learn to see things from multiple perspectives.
These experiences are open to you when you pursue a major, minor or certificate in Modern Languages. Our programs combine easily with other OHIO majors and offer courses on literature, linguistics, culture, film, and art. Take advantage of opportunities to immerse yourself in other cultures by studying abroad and look for internships to get experience in a variety of potential career areas.
Choose What You Want to Learn
We also offer Minors in French, German, and Spanish, and Certificate Programs in German Studies and Italian Studies.
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French Major (B.A.)We also offer Minors in French, German, and Spanish, and Certificate Programs in German Studies and Italian Studies.The French major provides students with a base of knowledge not only in languages, but, just as importantly, in cultural content so vital for understanding and navigating the world.
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Spanish Major (B.A.)Spanish majors are required to study abroad, and most students participate in a university-sponsored immersion program, where they polish their language skills and develop first-hand familiarity with the culture.
Choose Where You Want to Learn
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Athens, OH, Residential Campus
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Regional Campuses
Take Spanish classes near where you work and live through the regional campus that fits your needs.
Expand Your Resume with a Minor or Certificate
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French MinorThe French minor allows students to enrich their major program with language skills and cultural understanding.
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German MinorThe German minor allows students to enrich their major program with language skills and cultural understanding.
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Spanish MinorThe Spanish minor allows students to enrich their major program with language skills and cultural understanding by electing courses in language, literature, culture, linguistics, culture, film and/or art.
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German Studies CertificateThe German Studies Certificate is an interdisciplinary, complementary course of study open to all undergraduate students interested in the German-speaking countries.
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Italian Studies CertificateThe Italian Studies Certificate is for any undergraduate student degree seeking an introduction to the very rich and varied culture of Italy and exploring it using a variety of disciplines and subjects.
Why Study Languages?
Through the study of language and culture, you gain proficiencies in another language. This allows you to connect with speakers of that language and gain deeper insights into their culture. It also broadens your perspective, opening the door to artworks, media, and research in another language.
At the same time, language learners develop other skills, such as …
- Greater intercultural awareness, competence, and empathy
- Increased effectiveness in working collaboratively with others
- Strong communication skills, both in another language and in your own
- Heightened analytical and critical thinking skills
- Openness to different perspectives, to creative and innovative ideas
- An enhanced solution-oriented approach
As such skills are highly desired by employers, studying other languages can broaden your opportunities and boost your earning potential. The future belongs to those who can communicate clearly across the boundaries of languages and cultures. With degrees and programs from Modern Languages on your resume, you set yourself apart from others and have a competitive edge in the global marketplace.
Why Add a Second Major, Minor, or Certificate from Modern Languages?
When you add a second major, you double your value on the job market. Earning a second major, a minor, or a certificate program in Modern Languages provides benefits such as increasing language proficiencies and communication abilities, strengthening critical thinking skills and empathy, opening up employment opportunities, and preparing students for the challenges of work, life and citizenship ahead.
Our majors, minors and certificates have flexible schedules and pair well with a many different majors, from health professions to business to journalism and more. Contact a success advisor to plan how to incorporate one of our programs into your degree plan.
Get Hands-On Experience with Your Language Degree
Travel abroad and immerse yourself in language and culture. Or join a club and create a sense of culture right here.
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Exhibit Your Project at Student Expo
The ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ Student Research and Creative Activity Expo is held annually to highlight student research, scholarship and creative works, and many Modern Languages majors participate.
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Study Language and Culture Abroad
Talk to any faculty member in Modern Languages about living & learning abroad. Or explore opportunities through OHIO’s Office of Global Opportunities.
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Join a Language Club
Learn how to make a traditional Italian dish with Dr. Morrison and Italian Club. Or earn membership in our highly acclaimed chapter of the Sigma Delta Pi national honor society.
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Get Experience with an Internship
Take advantage of internship opportunities in government, industry, and business. And don’t forget opportunities through the Peace Corps and Fulbright programs.
What Can You Do with a Modern Languages Degree?
When recent graduates can employ their marketable skills in the pursuit of an individual passion, they greatly enhance their chances for success, satisfaction, and lifelong rewards.
- Many students pursue careers in journalism, political science, education, sociology, international studies, business, government, and social services.
- Many enter master's or doctoral programs and go on to academic positions at universities.
- Others attend law school or medical school.
- Some start their career with volunteer service abroad with organizations such as the Peace Corps.
Modern Languages Careers & Internships
Post-Grad Opportunities for Language Majors
After earning their bachelor's degrees in a language, some students proceed to graduate school at ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ or elsewhere. Our undergraduate programs will prepare you for the rigors and rewards of graduate school in our master's programs:
- M.A. in Spanish
- M.A. in Applied Linguistics
- Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
- M.A. in Latin American Studies
- M.A. in International Development Studies
- M.A. in Communication and Development Studies
We also offer several pathways for those interested in teaching bilingual education in the United States or teaching English to students around the world:
Sigma Delta Pi Earns National Hispanic Honors Recognition & Prestigious Octavio Paz Award
For the eighth year in a row, the active honors organization celebrates an exclusive recognition.
Study abroad experience in Spain cements OHIO senior’s goals
Grace Weisel spent two months this summer in Toledo, Spain, immersing herself in a new country by living with a host family, touring Spain, and taking classes.
Why Choose a Modern Languages Degree?
The Department of Modern Languages is here for you!
The Modern Languages Department is diverse and vibrant, with faculty, staff and students from different countries, cultures and communities. Modern Languages faculty publish top-level cultural, literary, cinema, and pedagogic research relating to a variety of languages, cultures, and time periods. This range of expertise is reflected in the department’s course offerings, alongside language courses from the elementary to the advanced levels.
Modern Languages faculty are committed to student advising and to guiding students through the options of majors, minors, certificate programs, and elective courses, as well as study abroad and scholarship options. Small class sizes allow professors to address the needs of individual learners and encourage dialogue, collaboration, openness, and critical thinking.
With faculty guidance, seniors have successfully competed for postgraduate awards such as Fulbright and Truman Scholarships as well as for admission to M.A. and Ph.D. programs in a variety of fields. To complement coursework, student language clubs and national honor societies sponsor diverse events where students can interact with their peers and faculty. The department excels at challenging undergraduate students in a supportive environment where they can thrive and prepare themselves for a successful future.
Undergraduate Advising and Student Affairs
Of course, ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ gives you tools to ensure you succeed, ranging from success advisors to department mentors who help you graduate on time and on plan.
Undergraduate students should contact Undergraduate Advising and Student Affairs for advising support, such as: class registration, adding and dropping classes, changing majors, adding minors and certificates, Guarantee+, and graduation checks.