Lakshitha Nagesh, a senior undergraduate student majoring in International Studies and Political Science. Photo by Natalie Montecino.
Undergraduate Program in Languages and Global Studies
Connect beyond borders
¡Bienvenidos! Bienvenue! Willkommen! Welcome! In the Department of Languages and Global Studies, you’ll discover that learning languages and understanding global contexts is about connecting with people, opening new possibilities, and gaining perspectives you never imagined.
Our program offerings emphasize intercultural understanding, critical thinking, and real-world communication skills in ten languages: American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Spanish.
Come be a part of our community where every “¡Hola!” and “Bonjour!” is the beginning of something amazing.
B.A. in Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
The Bachelor of Arts in Languages, Literatures, and Cultures explores how we share stories and create meaning across borders through the power of language.
Majors will develop cultural competencies and literary appreciation while honing their ability to effectively communicate in a language of their choosing. Popular tracks include Spanish, German, French, American Sign Language, Japanese, and Spanish for the Professions—such as healthcare, animal care, business, and translation and interpreting. Students can also work with an advisor to create a personalized curriculum track with any other language taught in the department to meet degree requirements.
B.A. in International Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies is perfect if you’re curious about the wider world and have broad academic interests. This interdisciplinary program draws from anthropology, geography, history, economics, political science, and languages to prepare you for our interconnected world.
International studies majors choose between five region-specific concentrations including Asian Studies, European Studies, Latin American Studies, Middle Eastern/North African Studies, and Global Studies.
Why Study…
Languages & Global Studies?
Languages and global studies connect you with our shared human experience across borders. Exploring global cultures expands our understanding of how people live, create, and communicate, giving you the tools to interpret a rapidly interconnected world with nuance and imagination.
International study and language learning promotes dialogue, encourages tolerance and adaptability, and stimulates social change. Our programs will challenge you to rethink assumptions and navigate diverse viewpoints with confidence.
Our majors and minors are an ideal complement to other fields of study, including other College of Liberal Arts programs or a STEM or business degree. With us, you’ll gain the tools and experiences to work globally, travel confidently, and make an impact.
Career Paths
Careers
In a world that’s more connected than ever, being fluent in multiple languages and understanding diverse cultures opens the door to exciting global careers. Nine in 10 U.S. employers rely on employees with language skills other than English, and the demand is only increasing.
Our alumni work across 20+ industries, including international relations, government and public policy, translation and interpretation, nonprofits and cultural organizations, education, business and global logistics, and marketing and communications. Many alumni choose to leverage their language skills after graduation to travel abroad or work in programs like the Peace Corp prior to job searching.
Other Opportunities
Advising Information
Are you a current student who would like to learn more about adding or completing a Languages, Literatures, and Cultures or International Studies major?
Schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated Academic Success Coordinators by contacting the College of Liberal Arts Academic Support Center.
Minors & Certificates
Increase your intercultural fluency and supplement your resume to stand out in a crowd of applicants by adding a global studies minor, language minor, or certificate. Offerings are available across the ten languages taught in the department.
Earn your B.A. + M.P.P.A. in 5 Years
Maximize your time at CSU by earning two degrees in as little as five years. Students working toward a B.A. in International Studies can begin coursework for a Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) during their senior year. By completing graduate coursework as an undergraduate, you can earn your master’s degree in just one year.
Next Steps
Are you interested in joining our community?