Loyola University Chicago

What you'll study

This major combines language proficiency, literary and cultural study, and core linguistics. You will develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in one or more Romance languages (commonly Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese), while taking courses that introduce and deepen your understanding of phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and sociolinguistics. Coursework typically includes language sequence classes from introductory to advanced levels, surveys of national and transnational literatures, film and media studies, translation theory and practice, and topics courses such as colonial and post‑colonial literatures, gender and sexuality in Romance literatures, and contemporary language contact.

Students normally complete a combination of required core courses in linguistics and Romance studies, elective language and literature seminars, and practicum or applied options. Many students take a capstone seminar, independent research project or senior thesis, and there are opportunities for classroom observation or practicum in language teaching. The programme emphasises experiential learning: study abroad, community‑based language projects, internships in Chicago’s cultural and civic institutions, and collaboration with faculty on research projects are common pathways to deepen practical and analytical skills.

Entry requirements

Admission to Loyola University Chicago is through the university's general undergraduate admissions process; applicants should submit academic transcripts and any standardised test scores the university requests. For this major, prior study of a Romance language is helpful but not always required—placement testing typically determines your starting level in language courses. Transfer students should provide college transcripts and descriptions of courses for transfer credit evaluation.

Departmental expectations include evidence of strong written and oral communication skills and a demonstrable interest in languages, literatures or linguistics. International applicants must meet Loyola's requirements for English proficiency. Students without prior language study can usually begin at the introductory level and progress through to advanced coursework, while students with prior study will be placed into the appropriate intermediate or advanced courses following departmental placement procedures.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics pursue a wide range of careers. Common pathways include language teaching (K–12 and adult education), TESOL and language programme coordination, professional translation and interpreting, publishing, journalism, and cultural programming. Employers in government, diplomacy, international NGOs, and multinational business value the language skills and cross‑cultural competence developed in this major. The programme also provides strong preparation for graduate study in linguistics, literature, area studies, education, law and related fields.

Because the programme emphasises practical experience and Chicago's robust network of cultural organisations and businesses, students frequently secure internships and entry‑level roles that capitalise on bilingual or multilingual skills, research ability and intercultural communication—skills that are increasingly in demand across public, private and non‑profit sectors.

Why study at Loyola University Chicago

Loyola offers a liberal arts approach grounded in the Jesuit tradition of rigorous inquiry, ethics and service. The Department offers small, discussion‑based courses and close access to faculty whose research spans linguistics, literature and cultural studies. Loyola’s location in Chicago provides exceptional opportunities for internships, community partnerships, and engagement with diverse Romance‑language speaking communities and cultural organisations.

Students benefit from institutional support services including language labs, writing centres, study abroad advising and career services that assist with internship placement and graduate‑school applications. The programme’s flexibility allows students to combine language and linguistics study with minors or double majors in areas such as international studies, education, communications or business, preparing graduates for a broad range of professional and academic trajectories.