Minors & Certificates in Languages and Global Studies

The Interdisciplinary Minor in American Sign Language helps students develop proficiency in one of the most in-demand languages in the United States, spoken by more than half a million people. In addition to building valuable communication skills, the program prepares students for careers in fields such as healthcare, education, and social work while promoting inclusion and accessibility in diverse communities. Through coursework in Deaf culture, Deaf history, and language accessibility, students gain a deeper understanding of how these areas intersect with power, equity, and human connection. The minor requires a minimum of 21 credit hours.

To declare this minor, email cla-llc_help@colostate.edu

The Arabic Studies Interdisciplinary Minor provides students with a deeper understanding of the Arabic-speaking world through the study of language, culture, history, and artistic expression. Spoken by more than 400 million people worldwide, Arabic is a global language that equips students with valuable cultural competency and communication skills. The minor complements a wide range of majors by preparing students for opportunities in international relations, business, government, education, and other globally focused fields. Open to all students, the program supports diverse academic interests while fostering greater appreciation of the Middle East and beyond. The minor requires a minimum of 21 credit hours.

To declare this minor, email cla-llc_help@colostate.edu

The Chinese Minor helps students develop proficiency in one of the world’s most widely spoken languages while gaining insight into Chinese culture. Students strengthen their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while exploring the language’s role in international communication, business, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. With nearly 1.3 billion native speakers and Mandarin recognized as one of the official languages of the United Nations, proficiency in Chinese offers valuable advantages in an increasingly interconnected world. The minor requires a minimum of 21 credit hours, and includes language courses and interdisciplinary electives in history, film studies, philosophy, and political science.

To declare this minor, email cla-llc_help@colostate.edu

The French Minor explores the diverse cultures, literatures, and histories of the French-speaking world. As a global language spoken across Europe, Africa, and beyond, French offers valuable opportunities for cross-cultural communication and international engagement. Students gain skills in speaking, reading, writing, and critical analysis while examining Francophone cultures and global perspectives. The minor complements a wide range of majors and supports interests in international business, diplomacy, education, translation, public service, and global affairs. The minor requires a minimum of 21 credit hours.

To declare this minor, email cla-llc_help@colostate.edu

Students in the German Minor build strong communication skills while exploring the rich cultural, literary, and linguistic traditions of German-speaking countries. As the most widely spoken native language in Europe, German provides valuable skills for students interested in international business, government, education, translation, and global careers. Students in the minor can expect to take several years of language courses and choose elective courses focused on literature, cultural studies, and translation and interpreting. The minor requires a minimum of 21 credit hours.

To declare this minor, email cla-llc_help@colostate.edu

The Global Studies Minor is an interdisciplinary program designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of people, cultures, and global issues in an increasingly interconnected world. Students begin with three core courses that provide a foundation for examining cross-cultural and international topics, then tailor the minor to their interests through coursework in areas such as Languages and Cultures, History, Politics, and Society, and Economy and Environment. The minor provides valuable global and cultural context that complements any major and supports a wide range of academic and professional interests. Available both on campus and through CSU Online, the minor requires a minimum of 21 credit hours.

To declare this minor, email cla-llc_help@colostate.edu

The Italian Studies Interdisciplinary Minor offers students a deeper understanding of Italian language, culture, history, and artistic traditions while building valuable skills for a globalized world. With more than 85 million speakers worldwide, Italian plays an important role in international business, tourism, fashion, and the arts. Students explore the cultural and historical influences that have shaped Italy and continue to impact society today. The minor complements a variety of majors, including the arts, humanities, business, legal studies, and health professions, where Italian’s Latin roots can provide additional insight. The minor requires a minimum of 21 credit hours.

To declare this minor, email cla-llc_help@colostate.edu

The Japanese Minor provides students with an immersive introduction to Japanese language and culture, fostering cross-cultural understanding and global awareness. Through the study of language and cultural traditions, students explore topics ranging from art, film, and food to contemporary society and popular culture, including anime and manga. Learning Japanese strengthens analytical, critical thinking, and cross-cultural communication skills. The minor complements a wide range of majors and supports interests in international business, technology, engineering, education, and the arts. The minor requires a minimum of 21 credit hours.

To declare this minor, email cla-llc_help@colostate.edu

The Russian Studies Interdisciplinary Minor provides students with a deeper understanding of Russian language, culture, history, politics, literature, and artistic expression. Spoken by more than 258 million people worldwide, Russian is a strategically important language in international relations, global security, diplomacy, and military affairs. Students explore the cultural and political landscapes of Russia and Eastern Europe while developing language proficiency and cross-cultural communication skills. The minor complements a wide range of majors, including international studies, political science, business, history, and security-related fields. The minor requires a minimum of 21 credit hours.

To declare this minor, email cla-llc_help@colostate.edu

The Spanish Minor helps students develop advanced language skills while exploring the diverse cultures, histories, and literatures of the Spanish-speaking world. Spoken by approximately 500 million people and serving as the official language of 20 countries, Spanish is one of the most widely used languages globally and an increasingly important skill in the United States. Students in the minor can expect to take several years of language courses and choose elective courses focused on literature, linguistics, cultural studies, and translation and interpreting. The minor requires a minimum of 21 credit hours.

To declare this minor, email cla-llc_help@colostate.edu

The Certificate in Korean Studies gives students the opportunity to explore Korea’s language, culture, history, politics, and artistic traditions. In the 9-credit curriculum, students gain a deeper understanding of a country that has become a global leader in technology, business, entertainment, and cultural influence. From K-pop and Korean media to international business and diplomacy, the certificate examines the forces shaping contemporary Korea and its growing global impact. Open to students from any major, the certificate complements interests in international studies, business, government, and the arts.

To add this certificate, email cla-llc_help@colostate.edu

With Spanish being the second most spoken language in the U.S., a Spanish undergraduate 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. Open to students from any major, this 9-credit certificate is ideal for veterinary medicine and animal sciences students and is available both on campus and through CSU Online.

To add this certificate, email cla-llc_help@colostate.edu

With Spanish playing an increasingly important role in the U.S. legal and public safety systems, a Criminal Justice Spanish undergraduate certificate helps students develop the language skills and cultural awareness needed to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking communities. Students learn specialized vocabulary and communication strategies relevant to law enforcement, victim advocacy, community outreach, and other criminal justice settings. This certificate enhances students’ ability to build trust, improve access to services, and navigate culturally diverse environments. Ideal for students pursuing careers in criminal justice/criminology, law, and public service, the certificate is open to students from any major.

To add this certificate, email cla-llc_help@colostate.edu

The Medical Spanish undergraduate certificate helps students communicate more effectively with Spanish-speaking patients and families in healthcare settings. Whether working in hospitals, clinics, public health organizations, or community health programs, students develop specialized language skills and cultural competency that support clear communication and patient-centered care. This certificate enhances students’ ability to build trust, improve health outcomes, and navigate diverse healthcare environments. Ideal for students pursuing careers in medicine, nursing, public health, and other health professions, the certificate is open to students from any major.

To add this certificate, email cla-llc_help@colostate.edu