The degree requires a minimum of 30 semester hours above the 100 level in foreign languages and literatures. At least 18 hours must be earned in upper-level foreign language courses.

The degree aims to provide students with sufficient language skills and cultural insights to give them sound foundations for a wide range of careers. It is designed to meet the following objectives:

  • Prepare students (in combination with other disciplines) for industrial, commercial and government employment in which knowledge of a foreign language and culture is a distinct advantage
  • Prepare students for graduate study in languages, literatures, cultural studies and related fields
  • Provide support courses for other programs in the university


A foreign language minor requires 18 hours of study for most languages—including 100-level courses—but 21 hours for classics. Minors are available in French, German, Latin, Russian and Spanish. Basic language courses are also offered in Arabic.