Modern Languages (B.A.)

FAST FACTS ›

  • You will have many ways to build proficiency in your chosen language, from the language lab to language clubs to conversing with native speakers.
  • The Bachelor of Arts in modern languages pairs well with other degrees for a double major.
  • Intensive tutoring is available through Clemson’s award-winning Academic Success Center.
  • The Clemson Language Immersion Program helps prepare you for study abroad.
ABOUT.

You have an ear for languages, a love of literature and a sense of adventure. You yearn to travel, live and study abroad, experiencing the world from different vantage points. You understand that language is a filter through which you perceive the world, and you are eager to learn how to see and understand that filter. Clemson offers a degree in modern languages where you focus on one of seven crucial languages — American Sign Language, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish. This rigorous program will prepare you for a wide range of careers in the international arena, as well as for graduate programs for those careers.

CLASSES.

What you'll study:

You will acquire communicative competence in your target language, as well as the literary and cultural heritage pertaining to that language. You will also take at least two courses in cultural inquiry designed to deepen your understanding of cultural difference and sharpen your critical thinking skills.

The Bachelor of Arts in modern languages provides a broadly humanistic course of study. In conjunction with your language classes, you will take a wide range of classes in the arts, humanities, social sciences, methodology and theory.

All modern languages majors (except those studying American Sign Language) are required to study abroad with a Clemson-approved program. Students of Chinese, French, German or Japanese are expected to study abroad for at least one academic year, and students of Spanish for at least one semester.

Languages Offered

  • American Sign Language
  • Chinese
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Spanish

Curriculum:

Popular Minors:

  • English
  • History
  • Communication Studies

Similar Majors:

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.

Majoring in modern languages is not just about practicing your target language in the classroom; it’s about immersing yourself in the culture, experience and country of the foreign language. Clemson offers opportunities for you to not only become intimately acquainted with your target language, but also to travel overseas and become a part of the language you choose to study.

Internships and Research Projects:

TRAVEL:
Study abroad is a critical part of your education and, increasingly, is expected by employers. Study abroad and exchange programs are offered in countries such as Argentina, China, France, Germany, Japan, Russia and Spain.
LAB:
The Language Lab features versatile, open computer classroom spaces, as well as a media library and audiovisual equipment repository. Students work in the lab during class and also have access outside of class time for speaking practice.
C.I.:
Creative Inquiry is the combination of engaged learning and undergraduate research. Students take on problems that spring from their own curiosity or from the needs of the world around them. Team-based investigations are led by a faculty mentor.
IMMERSION:
Students enrolled in this summer school Language Immersion Program use their target language exclusively for five weeks during the summer. Students are immersed in the language in many ways, and will gain invaluable experience.
STUDENT ORGS:
Language clubs and professional societies are available for each of the modern languages programs. These organizations offer conversation tables, reading groups, films, socials, plays, outings and more.

Connect with Other Students:

CAREERS.

What are students doing at graduation?*

22%

Employed

45%

Grad School

33%

Seeking Employment

0%

Other

Where are students headed at graduation?*

Recent employers and job titles*

  • Teach for America — Corps Member
  • English Instructor (France and China)

Recent graduate schools and sought degree types*

  • Penn State — Ph.D.
  • New York University — Master’s
  • Emory University — Master’s

Common Career Areas**

  • Government
    • Diplomacy
    • Civil Service
    • Foreign Services
    • Intelligence
  • Interpretation
    • Government
    • Business
    • Conference
  • Translation
    • Legal
    • Literary
    • Medical
    • Technical
  • Education
    • Teaching
    • Linguistics
    • Administration
    • Counseling
  • Service
    • Social Work
    • Mission Work
    • Health Services
    • Nonprofit or Public Interest Law
  • Arts, Media and Entertainment
    • Advertising and Marketing
    • Journalism and Broadcasting
    • Writing
    • Public and Media Relations
    • Filmmaking
*Represents only Clemson University graduates who completed Michelin® Career Center surveys from 2009 to 2011.
**Used w/permission from Univ. of Tennessee.
FIND OUT MORE.

Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact as well as our admissions office.

Molly Greene, Administrative Assistant
864-656-3393 — matkin@clemson.edu

Note: Please indicate which language(s) you are interested in.