Embrace Multilingualism and Unlock Global Opportunities
Prepare for careers in fields like international business, diplomacy, translation, education and more.
Why earn your Global Languages and Cultural Studies degree at St. Edward’s?
The Kozmetsky Center of Excellence at St. Edward’s brings international experts to campus, either in person or virtually, to share their knowledge with the university community. You’ll have the chance to listen and ask questions of these global experts in sustainable development, peace and security, global health, climate change and global finance.
Advanced Spanish for Health and Helping Professions Certificate
Leverage your skills as a bilingual speaker or advanced second-language learner of Spanish and prepare for health-related professions that require specific, technical vocabulary and cultural knowledge as you earn your undergraduate degree. Develop interpersonal communication skills in Spanish focused on in-person encounters and interviews in a clinical or medical setting and demonstrate knowledge of the Latinx sociocultural context through research and experiential learning.
Study Abroad
Studying abroad is the perfect way to immerse yourself in a new environment and rely exclusively on your language skills. These programs will help you understand another culture and how people in another country view the United States. They also offer tremendous opportunities for personal growth. St. Edward’s offers study-abroad opportunities in Spain, France, Costa Rica, Japan, Italy and more.
Student Organizations
Language clubs (Spanish, French, German and Japanese), as well as Alpha Mu Gamma (the Honors Languages club) give you the opportunity to connect with students with similar interests and global worldviews. The International Student Association and Latinx Student Leaders Organization also offer you the chance to learn more about other cultures through social activities and programs.
Fulfilling the Language Requirement
The targeted level of language proficiency is "Intermediate High to Advanced Low" in both speaking and writing for the primary language and “Intermediate” in the second language. There are several ways to achieve the minimum proficiency required for the degree.
What will you learn?
Engage with diverse cultures and languages from around the world. By studying two modern languages, you’ll enhance communication skills, cross-cultural understanding and critical thinking. Embrace the challenge and fulfillment of becoming multilingual and open doors across the hemispheres.
A few examples of courses students take in the major:
- In Topics in Comparative Languages, Literatures and Cultures, better understand the world around you by sharing your own experiences as well as learning about those of your classmates.
- In Multilingualism in the U.S. and Intercultural Communication, improve your communication skills, cross-cultural understanding and critical thinking.
What skills will you gain?
Upon completing the Global Languages and Cultural Studies program, you’ll be ready to…
- Develop language proficiency in one or more languages, including Spanish, French, German and Japanese.
- Gain intercultural communication skills and global awareness.
- Critically think and communicate with those in fields such as international business, diplomacy, translation, education and more.
Explore Details About the BA in Global Languages and Cultural Studies
Major Requirements: The BA in Global Languages and Cultural Studies is a 36-hour major requiring students to choose a primary language (18 hours beginning at 2311 or higher), a secondary language (12 hours beginning at 1311 or higher), and to complete 2 required core courses (CLLC 1310, CLLC 4330) taught in English. Languages include German, French, Spanish and Japanese. Students who test out of or place beyond beginning and intermediate levels will complete the degree with approved electives.
Electives: Students who are waived from intermediate courses through the departmental placement test or who demonstrate advanced proficiency may choose to take up to 6 hours of approved electives (in English) to reach the 36-hour major requirement.
View and download the full degree plan for our Global Languages and Cultural Studies major.