About the Department
The study of languages is considered the foundation of a well-rounded education. The language programs at the University of Nebraska at Kearney open the door to advanced study in the arts and sciences and prepares you for a rich personal and professional life in a diverse, interconnected world. Research shows many academic, cognitive, and cultural benefits to learning a second language. Advanced bilingual language skills are highly valued in today’s competitive job market, and are often a requirement for top-level employment.
We offer a variety of majors, minors, and teaching endorsements, as well as an online Master’s degree in Spanish Education. We also facilitate Experiential Learning opportunities like language tables, study abroad, and professional internships.
As language educators, we want you to experience the transformative power of language study. You will visit new places, discover new cultures, new modes of thinking, new ways of being yourself, and have a lot of fun along the way. Join us!
Undergraduate Degrees
Minors
Graduate Degrees
"Translation and interpretation always makes me happy and excited. It feels like I am breaking a secret code to ease understanding for everyone." "I chose to do an independent study as a translator with Kearney Public Schools. It was a terrific hands-on experience and helped me develop professional and personal relationships, which led to career opportunities."
Our curriculum includes practice with Wordfast translation tools, courtesy of Wordfast LLC and Yves Champollion.
Beyond the Classroom
Through student organizations, scholarships, and study abroad programs, the UNK Modern Languages Department has many opportunities for its students to get involved and grow in their experiences and becoming well-versed in cultural diversity.
Student Organizations
- Alpha Mu Gamma (Foreign Language Honor Society) Alpha Mu Gamma is the oldest and largest national collegiate foreign language honor society in the United States. If you have received an "A" in two or more college language classes, you may be eligible for membership.
Experiential Learning
Take your language learning beyond the classroom! We offer numerous opportunities, including:
- Study Abroad in Europe or Latin America, where total linguistic and cultural immersion will take your skills to the next level.
- Language Tables Join other students for informal conversation at our language tables.
- Internships Develop your interpretation skills by working as an intern in a bilingual workplace.
- Translation Team up with professors and classmates to translate documents for organizations like the YMCA, the Nebraska Safety Center, YRTC, and local businesses.
- Tutor Work as a tutor or with a teacher in a K-12 classroom to transform yourself into a language teacher.
