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
Curriculum
Popular Minors
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Biochemistry
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Similar Majors
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Communication (B.A.)
-
English (B.A.)
-
History (B.A.)
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.





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.
WHERE OUR RECENT GRADUATES HAVE GONE
KEY
- 41-100%
- 21-40%
- 11-20%
- 0-10%
INTERNATIONAL CITIES
Poitiers, France
Huludao, China
Costa Rica
Japan
RECENT EMPLOYERS
-
Recruiter
Aerotek
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Medstar Washington Hospital
Administrative Coordinator
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Teacher
Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program USA
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ASL Interpreter
Greenville County School District
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BMW
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