Students studying abroad

About the Modern Languages Degree Program

On Campus

EMPHASIS IN FRENCH, GERMAN OR SPANISH

A Modern Languages Degree helps you develop a deeper understanding of foreign cultures through the study of languages, linguistics, literature and civilizations. At UNK, you will be given the background necessary to expand your awareness of the interconnectedness of today’s world. Immersion in a variety of experiences will sharpen your sensitivity and increase your appreciation of a world view different from your own.

UNK offers a variety of summer and semester study abroad programs to accelerate your language study while being immersed in the culture of your preferred destination.

Reasons to major in Modern Languages at UNK

  • Communication: Become a confident navigators in an ever-growing linguistically diverse world.
  • Community: Create meaningful relationships with your non-English-speaking neighbors, at home and abroad.
  • Culture: Discover film, music, literature and art.
  • Career opportunities: Today’s companies are international. Language knowledge provides a competitive edge in a crowded job market.
  • Boost your brain: Learning a second language alters your cognitive abilities. You acquire skills and qualities that are useful and marketable no matter what you do: memorization, reading and writing skills; ability to analyze, evaluate and communicate with anyone; experience and adapt to unfamiliar environments and situations and ability for critical thinking.
  • 24% projected employment growth: The Bureau of Labor Statistics consistently projects great growth in this career, forecasting interpretation and translation jobs growing at rate "much faster than average."

Career Opportunities With This Degree

With its emphases on research, writing and creative and analytical thought, the Modern Language degree and each individual language emphasis area prepares students for graduate studies in their language of choice as well as most professional schools, including law, business, education and medicine, and for work in professions such as law, teaching, business, management and publishing.

Many Modern Language majors combine their studies with other areas to prepare for career opportunities in international business, government, travel or communications, where knowledge of a foreign language and of foreign cultures is essential.

Modern Languages B.A. Program at a Glance

120

Credit Hours

General Studies requirement has been reduced to 30 credit hrs allowing more freedom and making it easier to transfer to UNK.

Degree Received

Modern Languages Bachelor of Arts

$216

Per Credit Hour

With the New Nebraskan Scholarship all undergraduate students pay in-state tuition

Jessa Schultis

"At UNK, I double majored in Political Science and Modern Languages with an emphasis in Spanish. I remember fondly how helpful my language professors were in many regards, including applying for jobs, applying for law school, understanding class materials, and just general support. I could tell my professors truly cared and wanted me to succeed. No matter what you end up doing career-wise, language skills will always end up helping you."

Jessa Schultis

Political Science and Modern Languages