Minors and Certificates
With a minor in LLC you will gain the ability to communicate in another tongue but also to appreciate diversity and interact successfully across cultures.
The skills and values that come from increasing your intercultural fluency will make you stand out in a crowd.
A minor also allows you to supplement your resume for jobs in government, education, business, international work and many other professions.
To Declare a Minor or Certificate, Email Your Name, the Minor/Certificate You Want to Add, and Student ID to:
cla-llc_help@colostate.edu
Departmental and Interdisciplinary Minors
Spanish Minor at CSU
Why Spanish?
Spanish is one of the world’s most spoken languages—with about 500 million speakers. It is spoken in 44 countries, and the official language of 20 countries. In 2015, the US became the second-largest Spanish-speaking country and is projected to become the first by 2050. The Spanish-speaking world boasts diverse cultures and literatures, from masterpieces of art, Nobel prize winning novelists and a rich popular culture. The mixing of different cultures, brought about by the violence of colonialism, makes the cultures and histories of Latin American countries and Spain, a fascinating and complex area of study: from the Roman and Arabic influences on the Iberian peninsula to the different indigenous, African, and European cultures in the Americas.
Why Us?
Our minors, majors and master's program in Languages, Literatures and Cultures (Spanish) as well as the interdepartmental minor in Latin American Studies allow students to immerse themselves in the Spanish language and its cultures and literatures. The degree prepares students for careers in education, media, the economy, the government, the nonprofit sector and international work. See what our alumni are doing.
The Spanish program features faculty with specializations in applied and theoretical linguistics, language pedagogy, translation, peninsular Golden Age theater and poetry, colonial literature and contemporary Spain and Latin America, especially the literatures and cultures of Mexico, the Caribbean, the Southern Cone, and Central America. Course offerings include a wide range of language classes, classes in linguistics, translation, Latin American literatures and cultures, Peninsular literatures and cultures and Transatlantic studies. New courses are added every semester.
Students can practice their Spanish in class, at the regular Spanish Club meetings, El Centro, and our many study abroad programs. And get in touch with the latest research findings at the Departmental Lecture Series, the Graduate Showcase and other events on campus. Students engage with the community through the Bilingual Storytime in cooperation with Poudre River Public Library District and internships at local organizations.
French Minor at CSU
Why French?
French is spoken by 125 million people and is the 1st and 2nd language in 49 countries. It is also the 3rd most second language learned in the world. It is truly a strong professional and cultural language to work or travel abroad or even within the U.S. with over 4,600 French companies conducting business in this country. Canada is also the 1st US export partner and the 2nd US import partner of the U.S.A.
French, along with English, is the official working language of The European Union, The United Nations, UNESCO, NATO, and the International Olympic Committee. The French economy is among the strongest in the world. France is very advanced in science and technology and also plays an international role in medicine. France is the top worldwide tourist destination. France is intertwined with American history, while French culture, literature, arts, and philosophy continue to influence the US. Many graduate schools require knowledge of a second language, and French is considered very valuable in all fields. Additionally, the Peace Corps gives priority to French speakers.
Why us?
We offer a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate courses in language, French and Francophone literature, culture, linguistics and French for specific purposes (Business, Translation). The Department awards a B.A., a Minor, a Teacher licensure and an Master’s in French.
The French program features faculty with specializations in applied linguistics, language pedagogy, and Francophone Cultures and Literatures. Course offerings include a wide range of language classes, classes in linguistics, translation, and French and Francophone literatures and cultures.
Students can practice their French in class, at the regular French Club meetings and our many study abroad programs. And get in touch with the latest research findings at the Departmental Lecture Series, the Graduate Showcase and other events on campus. Students engage with the community through volunteering at Global Village Academy and with the World Languages Story time sponsored by the Poudre River Public Library District and internships at local organizations.
CSU also offers summer, semester, and year-long exchanges to France and Francophone countries and also sponsors a summer internship in Bénin, West Africa.
German Minor at CSU
Why German?
German is the most widely spoken language in Europe, the official language in Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, and is commonly used as a second language in the emerging markets of Central and Eastern Europe. The German economy alone ranks number one in Europe and number five worldwide, and Germany is home to numerous international corporations. German language skills can help towards employment with companies having global business connections.
At last count, 91 Nobel Prizes have been awarded to recipients from the three major German-speaking countries, both in the sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Medicine) and in the humanities (Literature, Peace). As such, German is relevant to such diverse fields as History, Engineering, Music, Art, International Studies, Business, and Philosophy – to name only a few. Germany awards generous scholarships for study and paid internships in Germany to those who possess some German language skills.
Both German and English are Indo-Germanic languages, affording students a ready grasp of the language, while simultaneously gaining a deeper understanding of English. Imagine reading the likes of Kafka, Freud, Goethe, and Wittgenstein in the original! Studying a language like German will also allow a unique viewpoint upon one’s own culture and history, and it can provide opportunities to interact with all those German tourists across the globe – Europe’s most generous spenders when traveling (and trailing only China and the US on the international stage).
Why Us?
Students can receive a B.A. degree with a major in German (Major check sheet), taking a variety of courses in language, literature, linguistics, culture, and practical applications such as Business German or translation. It is also possible to supplement a primary major with a minor (Minor check sheet) in German, thus diversifying one’s dossier for careers in government, education, business, and international work. Students wishing to pursue a career in teaching German may complete a teacher licensure to become certified K-12 teachers of the language in the state of Colorado.
The German faculty specialize in a variety of sub-fields, including 19th through 21st century literature, German film and other artistic phenomena, social-political and -cultural history, and linguistics and translation.
Many of our students pursue a semester or a full academic year of study abroad in Berlin, Bamberg, Lüneburg, Salzburg, and Vienna. There are additional opportunities for summer study abroad.
German Club is a vibrant, active group of students who share an interest in German language and culture, and who meet regularly and organize a variety of cultural events on campus and in the community. Join us for our annual “Wanderwochenende”, for example, pictured in the photo gallery above.
Why Add an ASL Minor?
American Sign Language is one of the most in-demand languages in the U.S., with over half a million users. Learning ASL not only enhances communication skills but opens doors to careers in healthcare, education, and social work, while fostering inclusion and accessibility in diverse communities.
Why Add An Arabic Studies Minor?
Gain valuable language skills and cultural insight with an Arabic Studies minor. From unlocking global career opportunities in international relations, business, and government, to studying abroad and engaging in real-world cultural immersion, this minor opens doors across the Middle East and beyond.
Chinese Minor at CSU
Why Chinese?
Nearly 1.3 billion people (around 16% of the world’s population) speak some form of Chinese as their first language. Mandarin Chinese is one of the six official languages of United Nations. China is the second largest economy in the world leading in exports and coming in second for imports. It is likely that more than 50% of what you own is made in China. Whether hiking in the Grand Canyon or walking on Fifth Ave. in New York you will meet Chinese people! US is the top desalination for Chinese tourists. Wouldn’t it be useful for you to speak some Chinese?
Why Us?
The CSU Chinese program offers a minor upon completing four years of Chinese language study. The goal of the program is to integrate the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Quite a few students participate in CSU study abroad programs either short term or year long. Credits from the accredited universities can be evaluated and transferred back to CSU. For new students with elementary Chinese language background, you can take verbal and reading placement tests with the Chinese program instructor to decide on the level of course to enroll. Please note that heritage students can only enroll if Chinese is not your native tongue.
One reason to take Chinese at CSU is that the Chinese Club is an energized student club hosting various events. Follow the Chinese Club.
Japanese Minor at CSU
Why Japanese?
Japan continues to be recognized as one of the world's leaders in the global arenas of economics, politics and renewable energy. Studying Japanese is a wise career-building strategy. Many CSU alumni with a Japanese minor have been hired by well-established companies such as Woodward, Sumitomo, Mitsubishi, Oppenheimer Funds, etc. because of their Japanese language ability. More and more Japanese companies are hiring non-Japanese who are fluent in the Japanese language.
The study of Japanese language offers unique insights into Japan's fascinating national culture. Studying Japanese greatly enriches the study of Japan's national culture, which boasts a rich heritage in the fields of native craftsmanship, performing art, visual art, music, film, and food.
Learning Japanese helps students gain an enhanced perspective of their own language and culture.Through studying Japanese, students have an opportunity to compare Japanese with their own language and culture. Many aspects of their own language and culture are more appreciated when students realize the differences and similarities among different cultures. Moreover, students of Japanese become eligible for opportunities to travel and/or study abroad.
Studying Japanese builds brain power! Once you study Japanese, you can handle any foreign language. This goes beyond being able to order sushi in style! Study of a challenging foreign language like Japanese fosters key analytical and critical thinking skills. Learning to write Japanese characters not only improves observation skills and dexterity but also stimulates the front cortex. For Westerners Japanese is the most difficult language among less commonly taught languages.
Japanese language education in the world continues to grow. In the US, 4.2% students population that is learning a foreign language take Japanese. According to a survey by the Japan Foundation, in 2012 a total of 3.98 million people in 136 different countries/regions were studying Japanese, up 9.2% from 2009.
Japan is increasingly emerging as a point of origin for American pop culture as anime, manga and other Japanese cultural exports hit U.S. airwaves and store shelves: “In cultural terms… Japan has become one of a handful of perfect globalization nations (along with the United States ). It has succeeded not only in balancing a flexible, absorptive, crowd-pleasing, shared culture with a more private, domestic one but also in taking advantage of that balance to build an increasingly powerful global commercial force. In other words, Japan 's growing cultural presence has created a mighty engine of national cool.” (Douglas McGray, “Japan's Gross National Cool,” Foreign Policy Magazine, June 2002).
In summary, for students, studying Japanese can be an asset in the job market, a spur to personal and intellectual growth, a source of increased self-esteem, and of course an enjoyable experience. Nihongo o benkyo shimasho! (Let's study Japanese!)
Why Choose an Italian Studies Minor?
With over 85 million speakers worldwide, Italian is a key language in international business and culture. An Italian Studies minor opens doors to careers in fields like fashion, tourism, and the arts. Study abroad opportunities enhance your experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in Italy’s rich heritage and vibrant communities.
Why Choose a Russian Studies Minor?
With over 258 million speakers globally, Russian is a critical language for international relations and military affairs. A Russian Studies minor enhances your understanding of Eastern European culture and politics, preparing you for careers in government, intelligence, and global security. Engage with unique study abroad opportunities and build vital language skills that are essential in today’s geopolitical landscape.
Certificates
Why Pursue a Korean Certificate?
A 9-credit Korean certificate equips you with essential language skills and cultural insights in one of the world's fastest-growing economies. As South Korea emerges as a global leader in technology and entertainment, proficiency in Korean opens doors to diverse career opportunities in business, diplomacy, and international relations. Enhance your resume and immerse yourself in Korean culture through engaging coursework and practical experiences!
Why Pursue a Spanish Certificate in Animal Health and Care?
With Spanish being the second most spoken language in the U.S., a Spanish certificate in animal health and care enhances your ability to communicate with diverse communities. Whether in veterinary practices, wildlife conservation, or animal rescue, this specialized certificate equips you with the language skills and cultural understanding needed to provide compassionate care and build stronger connections with Spanish-speaking clients and colleagues.