Language and International Health (B.S.)

ABOUT

You have a passion for language and a desire to serve — you want to make a difference in the lives of others — and you understand that bilingual communication goes beyond a few signs posted on the wall. The need for bilingual health care providers has grown exponentially in recent years, not just in hospital settings and multicultural community centers, but throughout the health care industry. Clemson graduates in language and international health will be qualified to assume positions in a variety of settings, including hospital systems, consulting firms, managed care organizations and pharmaceutical companies. You’ll also be ready to pursue a graduate degree in community health, epidemiology and biostatistics, health administration or medical research. 

FAST FACTS

  • You’ll complete an internship abroad in health administration, community development or research.
  • You’ll work closely with faculty in both public health and languages.
  • You’ll have many opportunities to hone your proficiency in your chosen language, using the Language Lab, joining a language club and conversing with native speakers.
  • Intensive tutoring is available through Clemson’s Academic Success Center.
  • The Clemson Language Immersion program helps prepare you for study abroad.

WHAT YOU'LL STUDY

The program is jointly administered by departments in two Clemson colleges — the Department of Languages in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities and the Department of Public Health Sciences in the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences. This collaborative program offers you an immersive education in both language and public health. You are fully engaged in both fields of study from your very first semester.

In public health classes, you’ll study theory and practice, including the history and philosophy of public health and medicine; the organization, management and financing of health services; and the social and behavioral aspects of health, epidemiology, health evaluation methods and health communications. In language studies, you’ll gain communicative competence in either Chinese or Spanish, and an understanding of the culture, literatures, health environments and multicultural issues associated with your target language.

In the internship abroad, you’ll choose one of the following:

  • Health Administration: Work with mentors in a hospital setting, community health clinic or ministry of health to learn and apply knowledge about health administration and management.
  • Community Development: Join a community program (or NGO) organized through a university in the host country.
  • Research: Join a team with faculty and students conducting research on health, nutrition, comparative health systems, migration and epidemiology — organized through a university in the host country.

 

Popular Minors

  • Business Administration
  • Management
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

EXPERIENCES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Honing your skills in your target language is key to success in this program, and you’ll have lots of options to do so outside the classroom from organization meetings to international film viewing to volunteering. 

Internships abroad are widely varied to suit different goals and interests and are offered in countries around the world, including Argentina, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Peru and Spain.
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.
The Language and International Health Society serves as a forum where program majors can meet to exchange information and ideas. It’s also a great way to get to know your peers and explore other cultures.
During the semi-annual Language and International Health Symposium, medical faculty, students, professionals and alumni present their research on health-related topics that impact minorities, immigrant communities and developing countries.

AFTER GRADUATION

Your college decision isn't really about the next four years. We get it. It's about what doors are opened by your degree and whether those opportunities are what you had envisioned for yourself. Here's a snapshot of what life after graduation looks like for some of our most recent students.

RECENT EMPLOYERS

  • Global Health Volunteer Program Manager

    Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children

  • Journeyman

    International Mission Board (IMB)

  • Associate Health Professional

    Compass Professional Health Services

  • Home Visitor Specialist

    The Parenting Place

  • Volunteer Group Coordinator

    Misión ILAC

RECENT POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

  • D.M.D.

    University of Alabama at Birmingham

  • Master of Social Work

    Kennesaw State University

  • Master of Speech Pathology

    University of South Carolina

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy

    Medical University of South Carolina

  • Master of Health Administration

    University of North Carolina

  • Master of Science in Nursing

    University of Virginia School of Nursing

  • Medical Doctor

    Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

COMMON CAREER AREAS

    • Business
    • Hospital System
    • Pharmaceutical Company
    • Health Care Consulting
    • Managed Care Organization
    • Non-Profit
    • Public Health Provider
    • Multicultural Community Program
    • Disaster and Disease Relief
    • Policy Development
    • Program Administration
    • Program Evaluation
    • Volunteer Coordination
    • International Relations and Government
    • Translating and Interpreting
    • Diplomacy
    • Foreign Affairs
    • Public Service
    • Institutional and Community Development

FIND OUT MORE

Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact. If you’d also like to receive general University information from Clemson’s admissions office, please follow the link to the right and sign up to join our mailing list.

Kelly Peebles


Program DIrector
kpeeble@clemson.edu

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