Eastern Washington University

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary BA integrates language acquisition in one or more Romance languages (commonly Spanish and French), coursework in literatures and cultures of the Romance-speaking world, and foundational studies in linguistics. Students build communicative competence through sequential language courses and develop analytical skills through literature, cultural studies, and language structure classes.

• Core language sequence: Intensive, progressive courses in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Depending on prior experience, students may begin at introductory, intermediate or advanced levels and can pursue a second Romance language.
• Literature and culture: Surveys and specialised classes covering prose, poetry and drama from Spain, Latin America, France and other Francophone regions; topics often include historical periods, postcolonial studies, film, and contemporary cultural debates.
• Linguistics foundation: Introduction to phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and sociolinguistics, with an emphasis on how these areas apply to Romance languages.
• Applied courses: Translation and interpretation principles, second-language acquisition, language assessment and pedagogy for those interested in teaching.
• Methods and research: Courses in research methods, language analysis and a capstone or senior project that emphasises either applied work (e.g. community language programs, teaching practicum) or a scholarly thesis in literature or linguistics.
• Experiential learning: Study abroad options, internships with community organisations, language tutoring and service-learning placements to gain practical experience in multilingual contexts.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical academic expectations include satisfactory general secondary school performance and completion of university admissions procedures for Eastern Washington University. Placement in the correct language level is determined by prior study and placement testing; students with no prior language study begin at entry level, while those with previous coursework may receive transfer credit or placement into higher-level classes.

• English proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in English as required by the university for degree-seeking students.
• Language background: No specific prior knowledge of a Romance language is required for entry to the programme, though prior study may enable advanced placement.
• Transfer students: Transfer applicants are assessed on college coursework and may transfer language or general education credits in line with university policy.
• Advising: New students consult with departmental advisors to design a study plan, select the appropriate language sequence and discuss study-abroad and practicum opportunities.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with strong communicative ability, cultural literacy and analytical skills valued across sectors. Career paths commonly followed by alumni include:

• Secondary or postsecondary language teaching (often followed by teacher certification or graduate study)
• Translation, interpretation and localisation roles in public, private and non-profit sectors
• International business, diplomacy and global NGO work where bilingual communication and cultural competency are essential
• Publishing, journalism and media with a language or regional focus
• Language technology and computational linguistics support roles, particularly when graduates pair the BA with computer or data skills
• Further academic study in linguistics, literature, applied linguistics or area studies

Why study at Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University offers a department-sized programme with small classes, close access to faculty and personalised advising that supports both language development and research or applied projects. The university’s location provides regional connections to community organisations and schools for internships and service learning, while established study-abroad links allow immersive experiences in Spanish- and French-speaking countries. Faculty combine language pedagogy, literary scholarship and linguistic research, enabling students to tailor the degree toward teaching, professional practice or graduate study.