Georgia Southern University

What you'll study

This programme blends language proficiency, cultural and literary study, and core concepts from linguistics. Students typically take sequential language courses that develop listening, speaking, reading and writing in one or more Romance languages (commonly Spanish and French), alongside classes in literature, film, and cultural history that explore authors, genres and societal contexts.

Core linguistic topics introduce phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, language acquisition and sociolinguistics, with applied modules that may cover language assessment, pedagogy and translation/interpretation practices. Many curricula also include research methods, a capstone seminar or honours project, and elective options that allow students to pursue comparative literature, second-language acquisition, digital humanities or interdisciplinary studies.

• Sequential language courses (elementary to advanced conversation and composition)
• Literature and cultural history of Romance-language regions
• Introduction to linguistics: phonetics, morphology, syntax and semantics
• Sociolinguistics and language variation in Romance-speaking communities
• Applied topics: language teaching methods, assessment, translation and interpretation
• Research methods, capstone project or internship

Structure

The degree is organised around general education requirements, a set of major core courses in languages, literature and linguistics, and free or directed electives. Students are encouraged to participate in study abroad programmes to develop language fluency and cultural competence. Opportunities for practicum placements, undergraduate research with faculty, and interdisciplinary minors (for example in education, international studies or digital media) are commonly available.

Entry requirements

Admission follows Georgia Southern University's standard undergraduate admissions process. Typical applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification and meet the university's general academic standards. Prospective students whose first language is not English will need to meet the university's English proficiency requirements through recognised tests or prior study in English.

Recommended preparation includes secondary-level coursework in foreign languages, writing and humanities. Transfer students are assessed on their post-secondary record; prior college-level language credits may reduce the number of language courses required. Applicants interested in teacher certification routes should check for any additional professional education requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme move into a wide range of careers where language, cultural literacy and analytical skills are valued. Common pathways include secondary and post-secondary language teaching (often following additional certification), translation and interpretation, international business and marketing, diplomacy and government service, non-profit and community outreach, publishing and journalism, and roles in tourism and hospitality.

Alumni also pursue graduate study in linguistics, applied linguistics, comparative literature, TESOL, translation studies and law. The programme's emphasis on research methods and applied skills can also prepare graduates for positions in language technology, localisation, and data-driven roles that require attention to linguistic structure and corpus analysis.

Why study at Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern offers a campus environment with small to medium-sized classes and access to faculty who research and teach in language, literature and linguistics. The university supports study abroad through an education abroad office and partnerships that let students immerse themselves in Romance-language-speaking regions to accelerate language acquisition.

Students benefit from language resources such as language labs, tutoring and conversation groups, as well as opportunities for internships and community engagement in a region with diverse linguistic communities. The programme's flexibility permits interdisciplinary combinations and preparation for professional certification or graduate study, making it suitable for students with varied career goals in teaching, public service, business and the humanities.