Eastern Mennonite University

What you'll study

This programme integrates language instruction, literature, and linguistics to develop communicative proficiency, critical reading, and analytical skills. Core work typically includes advanced language courses in Spanish, French, or another Romance language; classes in linguistics such as phonetics and phonology, syntax, morphology, and sociolinguistics; and surveys and topical seminars in Romance literatures and cultural studies.

• Language sequence: progressive courses in speaking, listening, reading and writing, often culminating in advanced conversation, composition, and specialised registers (e.g. professional Spanish or Francophone studies).
• Linguistics core: introduction to linguistic analysis, phonetics and phonology, morphology and syntax, semantics and pragmatics, and applied linguistics topics such as second language acquisition and language assessment.
• Literature and culture: national and transnational literatures in translation and original language, literary theory, film and media studies, cultural history, and courses exploring identity, diaspora and postcolonial perspectives within Romance-language contexts.
• Research and capstone: a senior seminar or capstone project that synthesises language, literature and linguistic methods; opportunities for independent research, portfolios or practicum-based projects.
• Experiential learning: community-engaged language tutoring, service-learning placements, and opportunities to participate in language tables, theatre, or campus cultural events.
• Study abroad and immersion: semester and short-term programmes in Romance-language countries to deepen linguistic competence and cross-cultural understanding.

Students can often combine the major with minors such as international studies, education (with state teacher licensure pathways where available), business, or TESOL to tailor career preparation.

Entry requirements

Admission to Eastern Mennonite University follows institutional undergraduate standards. For the Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics major applicants should present a high school diploma or equivalent and submit academic transcripts. Demonstrated proficiency or prior study in a Romance language is helpful but not always required; placement testing may determine initial course level.

• Academic record: competitive high school coursework in language, humanities and liberal arts subjects is recommended.
• Materials: official transcripts and a personal statement that explains interest in languages and cross-cultural work. Letters of recommendation and a brief sample of written work or a placement assessment may be requested in some cases.
• English proficiency: international applicants will need to demonstrate English proficiency through approved tests or qualifications unless exempted by prior study in English.
• Placement: incoming students may take placement exams to ensure appropriate course-level placement in language and linguistics.

Career prospects

Graduates build linguistic and intercultural skills valued across many sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Education: K–12 language teaching or adult education; many graduates pursue teacher licensure or TESOL certification and work in schools, community programmes or language institutes.
• Translation and interpretation: written translation, community or medical interpreting, and roles in courts, healthcare, and social services.
• International work: roles in NGOs, international development, diplomacy, and multicultural outreach where language skills and cultural competence are essential.
• Business and communications: positions in international business, marketing, localisation, publishing, and content development that require cross-cultural communication.
• Further study: graduate study in linguistics, literature, comparative literature, international studies, law or graduate teacher preparation programs.

Alumni often combine language ability with other competencies from EMU’s liberal arts curriculum to enter careers that require communication, critical thinking and intercultural sensitivity.

Why study at Eastern Mennonite University

Eastern Mennonite University offers a small-college environment with close faculty mentoring and personalised curricular advising, which is particularly valuable in language and research training. The programme emphasises experiential learning and community engagement, allowing students to practise languages through tutoring, local partnerships and service-learning projects.

• Strong study-abroad links: long-standing partnerships and faculty-led programs provide accessible immersion opportunities in Romance-language countries.
• Interdisciplinary approach: the curriculum encourages combining language study with education, international studies, peacebuilding, business or media, reflecting EMU’s commitment to global citizenship.
• Faculty and mentorship: small classes support sustained faculty-student interaction, undergraduate research and guidance for graduate-school or career preparation.
• Community and values: a campus culture that emphasises service, intercultural engagement and ethical leadership, which complements language and cultural studies.

Together, these elements prepare graduates for meaningful work where language skills, cultural literacy and critical analysis are essential.