Pace University

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary undergraduate degree blends language acquisition, literary and cultural study, and linguistic analysis across the Romance-language family (commonly Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese). You will develop communicative competence and cultural literacy while taking courses in phonetics, morphology and syntax, sociolinguistics, historical linguistics, and language acquisition.

• Core linguistics: Introduction to Linguistics; Phonetics and Phonology; Morphology and Syntax; Semantics and Pragmatics; Sociolinguistics.
• Language sequence: Intensive, progressive language courses in at least one Romance language, with options for advanced conversation, composition, and stylistics.
• Literature and culture: Survey and period courses in literature, film and cultural studies taught in the target language and in translation (e.g. Golden Age to Contemporary Iberian/Latin American literatures; Francophone and Italian literatures).
• Applied and professional courses: Translation and interpreting practicum, language pedagogy/TEFL methods, and courses in language testing and assessment.
• Research and capstone: Senior seminar or capstone project bringing together linguistic theory and language/cultural study; opportunities for independent study or honours thesis under faculty supervision.

Students may combine the major with minors or electives in areas such as international relations, business, education, computer science (for localisation and natural language processing), or digital humanities. Practical components commonly include language lab work, internships with local organisations, and study-abroad semesters to consolidate language skills.

Entry requirements

Entry to the programme is through Pace University’s undergraduate admissions. Typical academic expectations include a high-school diploma or recognised equivalent with a strong record in language and humanities subjects. International applicants are expected to demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or equivalent qualifications; non-native speakers may also be required to show proficiency in the Romance language they intend to study if enrolling at an advanced level.

• Submitted secondary-school transcripts or recognised international qualifications.
• Proof of English language proficiency if applicable (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent) for international applicants.
• Placement testing in the chosen Romance language may be required to determine appropriate course level; prior study can lead to placement into intermediate or advanced courses.
• Optional materials that may strengthen an application: personal statement outlining language experience and goals, letters of recommendation, and evidence of extracurricular language-related activities or travel.

Specific admissions policies (including testing requirements and credit for prior language study) are set by Pace University’s admissions and the department; prospective students should consult the university for individual advice and placement procedures.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with advanced language skills, intercultural competence, and analytical training in linguistics that prepare them for a wide range of careers. Common career paths include:

• Education and TESOL: K–12 teaching (with appropriate certification), adult education, and teaching English as a foreign language both domestically and abroad.
• Translation and interpreting: literary, legal, medical and conference interpreting, as well as freelance and in-house translation roles.
• International business and communications: roles in marketing, customer relations, human resources, and global operations where multilingual ability is an asset.
• Publishing, journalism and media: editing, content creation and localisation for multilingual audiences.
• Government, diplomacy and non-profits: positions in immigration, international development, and cultural institutions.
• Technology and language services: localisation, global UX, language-data annotation and roles supporting natural language processing projects.
• Further study and research: graduate study in linguistics, literary studies, translation studies, applied linguistics, or related fields.

Internships, study abroad and the university’s career services help students build professional networks and practical experience that lead to employment or postgraduate study.

Why study at Pace University

Pace University’s location in New York City offers exceptional access to multicultural communities, cultural institutions, international firms and NGOs—providing abundant opportunities for internships, language practice and cultural engagement. The programme emphasises small classes, personalised advising and faculty mentorship, allowing students to pursue customised paths combining language study with linguistics, literature, education or professional concentrations.

• Practical experience: partnerships with local organisations and internship placements in translation, publishing, education and international business.
• Study-abroad support: semester and short-term programmes that enable immersive language learning in relevant countries.
• Language resources: language labs, conversation tables and multimedia resources to support listening, speaking and pronunciation practice.
• Career support: university career services and departmental guidance to help with job placement, graduate-school advising and professional development.

Combined, these features make Pace a strong choice for students seeking rigorous linguistic and cultural training in an urban, internationally connected environment.