The College of New Jersey

What you'll study

The major requires both language and linguistics coursework: students complete seven language courses and five linguistics courses as part of the degree (the sequence assumes no prior language study). If you enter with higher proficiency you can take more upper-level language classes. Course work is complemented by immersive cultural experiences (trips, speakers, festivals, performances), a weekly small-group oral-proficiency hour, and encouragement to spend at least one semester abroad with credit-bearing options through TCNJ or approved third-party programs. The department also offers minors in multiple languages and a linguistics minor, undergraduate certificates (including Spanish for the Professions with specializations and business-focused certificates in other languages), and heritage-Spanish programming tailored for native speakers.

Entry requirements

The programme page notes the major assumes no previous foreign-language study, so incoming students may begin language study at introductory levels; students with higher proficiency may begin at advanced levels. First-year applicants can apply directly to a five-year (4+1) accelerated BA/MEd pathway in World Languages and Linguistics and ESL. Specific admission criteria (GPA, tests, prerequisites) are not detailed on the source and should be confirmed with TCNJ admissions.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with language skills, intercultural understanding, and experience attractive to employers and graduate schools. The programme lists potential sectors including business, education, law, medicine and healthcare, international education, nonprofit and government, technology, marketing, and social services. Alumni have pursued graduate study at institutions such as Middlebury, Penn State, Princeton, Rutgers, and the University of Pennsylvania. Certificates prepare students for profession-specific roles (e.g., Spanish for healthcare, law, business).

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The programme description does not provide specific scholarship amounts or named awards. Prospective students should consult TCNJ’s financial aid office and the Arlotto Family Center for Global Engagement for information on institutional aid, study-abroad funding, and any departmental scholarships or assistantships that may support language study and international experiences.