Language Studies Degree (BA) | Indiana State University

Why Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Language Studies at Indiana State?

Studying foreign languages enhances cognitive abilities, enriches cultural appreciation, and benefits career prospects in a variety of professional fields. As a language studies major at Indiana State, you will broaden your perspectives, establish global connections, and experience international travel and cultural exchange.

Learn the Power of Language

Language studies majors become proficient in areas of language and linguistics. You will have the option to focus on one foreign language in your studies or multiple languages all at once. Options include ancient Greek or Latin, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.

Our flexible language studies program is tailored to meet your individual career goals, providing the tools for general linguistic, cultural, and literary analysis. This program is well-suited for those seeking knowledge of more than one language to increase career opportunities.

Other learning opportunities include: tutoring students; meeting professional linguists; teaching internships; practicing translation skills with community partners; and presenting research at conferences.

Learn from Our Excellent Faculty

Instructors in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics are dedicated lifelong learners of language and linguistic studies. They are committed to helping you excel academically as work toward fluency in your preferred language.

Small class sizes allow you to work one-on-one with your professors and collaborate with classmates. Faculty often lead field trips to museums and cultural sites of interest, including art exhibits, musical performances, restaurants, and other cultural areas in the Midwest. Your instructors will also host conversation tables and viewing parties for international films.

Practice Intensive Learning in Our Language Center

Learn more about language and culture in the Center for Language Education and Research. In this state-of-the-art language center, you will have access to specialized software, tutoring opportunities, and additional cultural programming for advanced education in all areas of language and linguistics.

What You'll Learn in the Language Studies Program

The BA in language studies introduces you to a variety of subjects in linguistics and language. You will learn foreign languages, critically evaluate languages, and analyze the differences between them. You can complete our Bachelor of Arts degree in Language Studies in four years of full-time study.

In addition to required courses, you will take classes in a second language and additional electives in language and linguistic studies. Your program will conclude with a senior project involving a supervised research project and a formal presentation.

NOTE: In the case of less commonly taught languages, some foreign language courses may not be routinely available on campus. Credit can be earned via appropriate study abroad or transfer work.

Students who enter with a strong language background are eligible to receive credit by examination through various sources, such as the University’s placement test or CLEP tests for beginning and intermediate level credit, and the ACTFL test for advanced level credit.

Transfer Credit

Indiana State University accepts credit from regionally accredited colleges and universities within the United States, and from selected schools located outside the United States. Credit also may be granted for military training and experience. Previously earned college credit can be applied toward completion of the program per Indiana State's transfer guidelines.

Transfer Guidelines

Career Possibilities for Language Studies Majors

Our bachelor’s degree in language studies prepares you to teach foreign languages, especially Spanish, in schools across the United States and abroad. Many of our alumni also pursue graduate studies.

In addition to teaching, language studies teaching leads to career opportunities in international business relations, law, military intelligence, healthcare fields, finance, the U.S. Department of State, and state and local government agencies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects overall employment for translators and interpreters to grow 20% from 2021 to 2031.

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H2: Career Possibilities for Theater Majors A bachelor’s degree in theater from Indiana State prepares you for a career in professional theater as an actor, director, playwright, or designer. Many of our graduates also pursue graduate studies in theater.

Study Abroad and Experience Other Cultures

Expand your cultural horizons by experiencing other nations and places in the world. Our Education Abroad Office will assist you in planning and preparing for an amazing study-abroad opportunity – whether that’s a weeklong, faculty-led tour, a month-long summer excursion, or a full semester of overseas study. Choose from more than 350 study-abroad programs in 60 countries.

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