Modern Languages (B.A.)

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 lens through which you perceive the world, and you’re eager to understand how language shapes communication. Clemson offers a degree in modern languages where you focus on one of seven crucial languages — American Sign Language, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. This rigorous program will prepare you for a wide range of careers in the international arena, as well as for a variety of graduate programs.

FAST FACTS

  • Study abroad is a critical and mandatory part of the program.
  • You'll have many ways to build proficiency in your chosen language, from the Language Lab to language clubs to conversing with native speakers during study abroad.
  • The Clemson Language Immersion Program helps to enhance your language skills prior to studying abroad.
  • The Bachelor of Arts in modern languages pairs well with other degrees for a double major.

WHAT YOU'LL STUDY

You will acquire communicative competence in your target language and study the relevant literary and cultural heritage. You’ll also take courses designed to deepen your understanding of cultural differences 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, Italian or Japanese must study abroad for at least one semester. Students studying French and German need to study abroad for at least two semesters.

Languages Offered

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

Popular Minors

  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Economics
  • Computer Science
  • Biochemistry

EXPERIENCES 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.

Study abroad is critical and increasingly is expected by employers. Study abroad and exchange programs are offered in countries around the world, including Argentina, China, France, Germany, Japan, Russia and Spain.
The Language Lab offers additional opportunities to practice and advance your language skills with hands-on approaches to media and technology essential for your studies.
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.
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.
Language clubs exist for each of the modern language programs. These organizations offer conversation tables, reading groups, films, socials, plays, outings and more.

CONNECT WITH OTHER STUDENTS

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

  • Recruiter

    Aerotek

  • Educational Interpreter

    Anderson School District 5

  • Medstar Washington Hospital

    Administrative Coordinator

  • Language Assistant

    Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF)

  • Teacher

    Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program USA

  • Corps Member

    Peace Corps

  • ASL Interpreter

    Greenville County School District

  • Educational Interpreter

    School District of Oconee County

RECENT POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

  • M.A. Asian Studies

    University of Texas at Austin

  • M.S. Child Life

    University of Georgia

  • MD

    University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville

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

Used with permission from the University 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. 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.

Julia Harvey

Academic Adviser
864-656-6433
jmdingl@clemson.edu

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