Mission Statement

The Department of World Languages and Cultures is committed to helping students become global citizens prepared with the linguistic and cultural proficiency necessary to be successful in an interconnected world. Rooted in the belief that language is the key to fostering cross-cultural understanding and facilitating international collaboration, the Department offers comprehensive degrees and creates opportunities for students to immerse themselves beyond the classroom in language clubs, community engagement, and study abroad programs.

At the undergraduate level, students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in World Languages and Cultures with concentrations in Arabic Studies, Chinese Studies, French Studies, German Studies, Japanese Studies, Spanish Studies, and Spanish for the Professions as well as Minors in the same languages, Latin American Studies, and Comparative Literature. These programs encourage students to explore the richness of human diversity through language acquisition and cultural immersion. At the graduate level, the Department offers a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Spanish and a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Spanish Education degrees that provide advanced training for those looking to deepen their language and cultural studies expertise or enter a career in language education.

The Department is dedicated to fostering career readiness competencies, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to excel in diverse professional fields such as international business, diplomacy, US Military and Intelligence, education, healthcare, arts, media, and a wide range of other professions and industries where cross-cultural communication is essential. In an era where the global economy demands intercultural competence, adaptability, and the ability to communicate across borders, the Department of World Languages and Cultures stands as a beacon of opportunity and cultivates the attributes needed for students to thrive in an ever-evolving professional landscape:

Linguistic Proficiency: Our students develop the linguistic skills required to engage confidently in meaningful cross-cultural exchanges. Through immersive experiences and engaging language training, we nurture proficiency in the languages of their chosen concentration.

Cultural Competency: We emphasize the importance of cultural understanding, providing our students with the tools to navigate diverse global landscapes with respect and empathy. This prepares them for careers that demand cultural sensitivity and adaptability.

Career Readiness: Our programs are designed with a focus on career readiness. We instill in our students the competencies demanded by employers in various sectors, ensuring they are well-prepared for success in fields such as international business, diplomacy, education, and more.

Global Citizenship: We aspire to cultivate global citizens who appreciate the interconnectedness of the world and actively contribute to its betterment. Our graduates are equipped to bridge cultural divides and make meaningful contributions to a more harmonious global society.

Educational Excellence: We maintain the highest standards of teaching and scholarship, fostering a dynamic learning environment that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and intellectual curiosity.

Community Engagement: We engage with local and global communities to promote cultural exchange and facilitate opportunities for our students to apply their language, cultural, translation, and research skills beyond the classroom.

Last updated: 8/12/2024