Department of Languages and Cultures

Expand your career opportunities by studying a world language and culture. Not only will you gain the skills to communicate effectively in cross-cultural settings, but you'll also develop a global perspective that employers value. You'll also gain new awareness and insight into your own culture.

Faculty in the Department of Languages and Cultures have advanced-level proficiency in a number of languages, including Spanish, German, French, and Latin. With small class sizes and engaged faculty, you'll be challenged and encouraged every step of the way.

Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission to schedule a campus visit and learn more about our academic programs:

Why major in Languages and Cultures? Hear from our students about their journey into the major.

Employment Outlook

The ability to read, speak, write, and comprehend a second or third language is an excellent way to gain a competitive edge in the employment market.

In fact, a 2017 report titled Not Lost in Translation: The Growing Importance of Foreign Language Skills in the U.S. Job Market finds:

• Demand for bilingual employees has doubled since 2010, with the biggest growth in “high prestige” jobs like financial managers, editors, and industrial engineers.
• Employers increasingly desire workers who speak multiple languages, particularly in businesses that require a high level of human interaction, like banking, healthcare, and education.

In comparison, the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages estimated that just eight percent of college students studied a second language in 2016, which means graduates with that skill will continue to be in demand. 

Reversing the language gap is increasingly important in a global economy where a huge percentage of the world consumers live outside the United States. Understanding different cultures enables you to truly connect with customers, clients, and other stakeholders. Employees fluent in a foreign language can earn higher salaries, too.

Placement Exams

If you've taken Spanish, German, French, or Latin in high school, learn more about our placement exam. You may be able to earn up to 11 credits of back credit after taking one class.

Talk to us about our:

• Students who have participated in study-abroad opportunities at Marian.
• Short-term study-abroad courses and semester-based and summer study-abroad programs.
• Financial aid, travel grants, and scholarships for students interested in studying abroad.
• Foreign exchange programs with universities in Korea, France, Spain, and Taiwan.
• Office of International Programs, which is dedicated to providing students with educational programming for transformative careers and leadership.

Faculty and Staff