Cost & earnings at Simmons University What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
The Bachelor in Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics at Simmons University is an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree that combines advanced language study with literary analysis and core linguistic theory. It suits students who want deep practical proficiency in a Romance language alongside training in linguistics, and who value small classes, experiential learning and opportunities to study or work abroad.
This programme develops advanced competence in one or more Romance languages while introducing students to literary traditions and linguistic analysis. Typical coursework includes intermediate and advanced language instruction (conversation, composition, and advanced grammar), surveys of national and transnational literatures, and modules in linguistic subfields such as phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax, sociolinguistics and language acquisition.
Students usually combine required core courses in linguistics and language with electives that may cover topics such as translation and interpreting, literary theory, colonial and postcolonial studies, media and culture in Romance-language contexts, and heritage language pedagogy. The curriculum emphasises communicative proficiency, critical reading and writing, and methodological skills for analysing language data.
The programme typically culminates in an integrative experience—this may be a senior seminar, capstone project or honours thesis—and encourages experiential learning through internships, community-engaged language teaching, and study-abroad placements with partner institutions in Romance-language countries.
Applicants are considered on the basis of secondary school completion and a demonstrated academic record. Admissions decisions take into account transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Standardised test submissions may be optional depending on current institutional policy; applicants should consult Simmons University's admissions information for details.
Students whose first language is not English are usually required to provide evidence of English language proficiency. Depending on prior study, applicants may also be asked to show prior experience in the Romance language they intend to study or to place into an appropriate language level via placement testing.
Graduates leave prepared for careers where language skills and cross-cultural literacy are essential. Common pathways include secondary and postsecondary language teaching (often followed by teacher certification or graduate study), translation and interpreting, publishing, journalism, international business and development, diplomacy and public service, and roles in cultural institutions or non-profit organisations.
The linguistic training also provides a foundation for graduate study in linguistics, applied linguistics, translation studies, literary studies and related areas. Many students leverage internships and study-abroad experiences to enter professions in international education, tourism, and global communications.
Simmons offers a personalised liberal-arts environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, which benefits language acquisition and seminar-style literary and linguistic analysis. Located in the Boston area, the university provides access to a wide range of cultural institutions, internships and language communities.
The programme is designed to integrate classroom learning with practical experience—through study abroad partnerships, community-engaged language teaching and internship opportunities—while campus career services and advising support help students map academic strengths to professional goals. Simmons' emphasis on leadership and applied learning helps graduates translate language and analytical skills into effective careers and further study.
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