Program Overview
Fluency in a foreign language is a huge asset in today’s increasingly global economy. The Bachelor of Arts in Languages and Cultures at WCU prepares students for careers requiring the highest levels of language skills. The BALC program requires a language immersion experience. Many of our students choose to study abroad for a semester to a full year. These students gain insight into cultural context, language proficiency, and a more global worldview. The BA program is also flexible. Many of our students choose to double major, or to pursue the Pennsylvania K-12 teaching certification.
Get Involved:
- Linguistics Club
- Alpha Mu Gamma (The National Collegiate Foreign Language Honor Society)
- Sigma Delta Pi (The National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society)
- Pi Delta Phi (The French National Honor Society)
- Arabic Club
- Chinese Club
- French Club
- German Club
- Italian Club
- Japanese Club
- Russian Club
- Spanish Club
Tracks
French
More than 270 Million people worldwide speak French. It's one of the working languages of the United Nations, an official language of the Olympics, and many other international organizations. This concentration leads to proficiency in the French language.
German
German is one of the most popular languages in the world, with more than 130 Million speakers. It's also one of the most prevalent languages in the European Union and widely spoken in business. Our classes are innovative and will put you on the road to success!
Russian
Russian is one of six official languages of the United Nations, and the third most widespread language on the internet. Having a background in Russian will make you stand out from the rest of the job market.
Spanish
With 400 Million native speakers, Spanish is the second most spoken language worldwide and is the official language of more than 21 countries. Studying Spanish will set you up for success in any job industry you choose.
Elective K-12 Certification
This certification qualifies the student to teach his or her major language in the public schools (kindergarten through 12th grade) of Pennsylvania. Certification can be pursued along with the BALC, and is available in French, German, Russian, and Spanish. Certification courses are offered through the College of Education and Social Work.
Program Highlights
Flexible program allows students to pursue a double major or teaching certification
- Faculty experts
- Opportunities for collaborative faculty research and publications
- Built-in immersion experience
- Certification program accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, and Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- Minors in:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Deaf Studies
- French
- German
- Italian
- Japanese
- Latin
- Russian
- Spanish
- Latin American and Latino/a Studies
- Linguistics
What can I do with this degree?
Our graduates are prepared for any career they choose. You can find them around the state and around the world in positions that include:
- Foreign language teacher
- Translator
- Hispanic Marketing and Communications
- Cruise director and supervisor
- Training coordinator
- Supervisor of English and world languages
- Global affairs coordinator
- Bilingual front office manager
- Account manager
- Professor of English
- International student advising and second language acquisition
- Account transition specialist
- Senior human resources specialist
- Senior vice president, thought leadership
- Data scientist, advanced analytics
- Vice president, farm animal welfare
- Senior manager, ending illegal fishing
- Senior policy specialist and communications advisor
Some of our graduates choose to pursue advanced degrees. They have attended many prestigious institutions including:
- European University at Saint Petersburg
- University of Delaware
- University of Pittsburgh
- Penn State
- Baker College
- West Chester University
- Temple University
- University of Wisconsin Madison
- University of Leningrad
- Middlebury College
- Lonomosov Moscow State University
- University of Pennsylvania