Georgia Southern University

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary programme combines language instruction with study of literature, linguistics and culture. Students pursue one or more modern languages through advanced proficiency, alongside coursework that builds analytical and research skills.

• Language courses: sequential courses in a chosen language (for example Spanish, French, German, Mandarin Chinese or other languages offered), progressing from introductory to advanced conversation, composition and specialised registers.
• Literature and culture: surveys and topical courses in national literatures, film, cultural history, and intercultural communication that develop critical reading and contextual analysis.
• Linguistics and language study: core topics such as phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax, sociolinguistics and language acquisition, with applied options in language teaching methodology and assessment.
• Electives and minors: options to pair language study with fields such as international affairs, business, education, translation studies, or regional studies.
• Capstone and research: senior seminars, a capstone project or honours thesis that emphasise independent research, critical synthesis and oral presentation skills.
• Practical experience: opportunities for internships, community language programmes, conversation partner schemes and study abroad placements to strengthen real-world communication and professional networks.

Programmes are structured to allow majors to attain advanced proficiency in at least one language while also meeting general education requirements and electives that broaden analytical and communicative competence.

Entry requirements

Admission to Georgia Southern University follows standard undergraduate entry procedures. For the Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics major, typical requirements include:

• Completion of a recognised secondary school or high-school diploma.
• Standard admission criteria such as submission of transcripts and test scores where applicable; international applicants should provide evidence of secondary education completion and English language proficiency if English is not the applicant’s first language.
• Placement testing in the target language or completion of prerequisite language coursework may be required to determine the appropriate starting level.
• Some pathways or honours options may recommend or require a minimum academic standing in previous language or humanities coursework.

Prospective students with prior language study often begin at intermediate or advanced levels based on placement assessments. Contact the Department for specific guidance about transfer credits, exemptions and placement.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics pursue a wide range of careers that value language proficiency, cultural literacy and analytical skills. Common pathways include:

• Education: classroom teaching at various levels, language instruction, curriculum design and TESOL/ESL roles (many graduates pursue teacher certification for K–12 positions).
• Translation and interpretation: work in public service, legal or medical interpreting, and written translation for agencies, businesses and non-profits.
• International business and diplomacy: roles in international marketing, trade, human resources, consular services and foreign service work.
• Publishing, media and communications: editorial roles, content creation, localisation and cultural consultancy.
• Public sector and non-governmental organisations: positions in immigration services, community outreach, international development and humanitarian work.
• Graduate study and research: further study in linguistics, literature, comparative cultural studies, law or business.

Internships, study abroad experience and departmental career advising support the transition from degree to professional pathways.

Why study at Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern offers a regional university environment with personalised instruction and opportunities for hands-on language practice. The institution provides:

• Dedicated faculty: instruction from faculty active in language pedagogy, literary scholarship and linguistics research.
• Language resources: language labs, multimedia learning centres and conversation partner programmes that support skill development.
• Study abroad and exchange: departmental advising and partnerships that enable short-term programmes and semester exchanges to immerse students in target-language communities.
• Internship and community engagement: links with regional businesses, schools and public agencies that create placement opportunities for practical experience.
• Flexible pathways: options to combine the major with teacher certification, minors in complementary fields or interdisciplinary double majors to match career goals.

These features make Georgia Southern a practical choice for students seeking both strong classroom training and experiential opportunities in language, literature and linguistics.