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World Languages and Linguistics
Degree
BA in World Languages and Linguistics
Department
At a Glance
Study global languages, cultures, and literature to gain a better understanding of our complex and multicultural world and prepare for a diversity of career options. Learning to communicate in different languages is an invaluable skill that’s desirable to employers and translates to almost any career or industry. TCNJ’s program focuses on the science of languages, with concentrations in Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish. You’ll graduate with a liberal arts education enriched by immersive cultural experiences, including study abroad.
Undergraduate Program Options
MAJOR
World Languages and Linguistics, BA
SPECIALIZATIONS
MINORS
CERTIFICATES
You’ll Benefit From:
- An innovative program in world languages and linguistics that’s unique to TCNJ
- Small class sizes, individual attention, and extensive use of the target language
- Immersive cultural experiences like trips, speakers, festivals, and performances
- A weekly oral-proficiency hour for small-group practice in a relaxed atmosphere
- Participation in community-engaged activities assisting non-English speakers
- First-rate instruction and strong mentorship from expert faculty
- Study abroad opportunities available at more than 100 locations
- A flexible curriculum that easily accommodates double majors or additional minors
Careers
You’ll graduate with the skills, insights, and experiences that appeal to both top employers and graduate schools. Knowledge of other languages and cultures can significantly enhance your career opportunities in any field, including business, education, law, medicine, healthcare, international education, nonprofit, government, technology, marketing, social services, and more. You will also be well-prepared to pursue graduate school at top institutions.
Recent Graduate Programs
- Middlebury University
- Penn State
- Princeton University
- Rutgers University
- University of Pennsylvania
Course Sequence
The major assumes no previous foreign-language study. Even if you enter with no knowledge of a foreign language, you will have ample time to complete the required seven language courses and five linguistics courses. If you enter the program at a higher proficiency level, you can take a more significant number of upper-level courses in the foreign language. You will be actively encouraged to complete at least one study abroad semester and can take three language and linguistics courses for the major and one free elective during your semester abroad.
Undergraduate Certificates in Spanish for the Professions
Choose from four undergraduate Spanish for the Professions certificates: Spanish for business, Spanish for counseling and human services, Spanish for healthcare professionals, or Spanish for law and justice practitioners. You can also choose a business-focused certificate in Chinese, French, German, Italian, or Japanese, designed to equip you with language and intercultural competence in preparation for careers in business, international business, international relations, education, interpreting, and more.
Heritage Spanish-Speaker Programming
If you were raised speaking Spanish, you can begin your major or minor with a course designed specifically for you. This learning environment, with an emphasis on the Hispanic experience in the United States, is tailored for students who want to develop fluency and poise, strengthen their writing skills, and raise their proficiency to a more professional level.
Study Abroad
Study abroad is integral to this program to ensure you gain global experience and perspective through immersion in other languages and cultures. You may choose a credit-bearing program offered by TCNJ or one of many third-party programs provided through TCNJ’s Arlotto Family Center for Global Engagement. You can also take advantage of unique study opportunities at Universidad Adolfo Ibanez in Vina del Mar, Chile, as well as faculty-led programs in and around Madrid, Spain, at Universidad de Alcalá de Henares and Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
Student Organizations
Maximize your experience at TCNJ through the many student-led organizations on campus that offer additional exposure to languages and cultures of interest. The department supports and participates in the Chinese Students Association, French Club, German Club, Italian Club, Japanese Student Association, and the Spanish Club.
Faculty
Students are guided and instructed by dedicated Department of World Languages and Cultures faculty from diverse cultural backgrounds. Faculty members represent more than 10 countries and speak Arabic, Chinese, Danish, English, French, German, Italian, Hebrew, Japanese, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and Yiddish.
