Languages Degrees

Several top-ranked universities in the US offer several language degrees at both undergraduate (bachelor’s) and graduate (master’s and doctoral) levels. The most commonly offered languages include French, Spanish, Italian, German, Chinese, Korean, and Russian among others. A few well-known universities that offer these degrees include Columbia University, Yale University, Harvard University, Stanford University, Princeton University, and many others.

What Is a Language Degree?

Language is one of the most basic forms of communication for human beings. Every region has multiple languages. Some languages are used worldwide, such as English, French, Spanish, and so on. People who are interested in learning about different cultures and societies often choose to study a language.

What Can You Do with a Language Degree?

A degree in language opens doors to various careers. Some people venture into teaching while others work as academic researchers, political risk analysts, interpreters, and translators, etc. Some of the possible careers are listed below with salary details that were reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

What to Expect from a Language Degree?

While selecting a language degree, you must browse through the course catalog because the curriculum gives you a preview of your learning outcomes from the degree. For example, if you want to become a Postsecondary English Language and Literature Teacher, you must complete a doctoral degree in the same field i.e., English Language and Literature. Ph.D. in English offered by Princeton University requires its students to take 6 courses from the following 8 areas;

• Medieval
• Renaissance
• Restoration and 18th Century (British and/or American)
• 19th Century (British and/or American)
• Modern & Contemporary (British and/or American)
• Criticism and Theory
• Race, Ethnicity, and Postcoloniality
• Gender and Sexuality

For details on the curriculum of a particular degree, please visit the official website of the desired university.

How to Choose a Language Degree?

While choosing a language degree, you must pay attention to several important factors including but not limited to;

• Accreditation by relevant authorities
• The relevance of the curriculum with career goals
• The reputation of the university
• Accomplishments of the faculty
• Duration of degree
• Mode of delivery (online/on-campus/mixed)
• Admission and graduation criteria, etc.

Language Degree Admission Requirements

Each degree type i.e., bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral has its own set of requirements that vary from one university to another. For instance, if you are interested in applying for a graduate-level language degree at Harvard University, you must submit an online application with all of the following documents in English (or certified translations of documents in English);

• Transcripts
• A statement of purpose
• A writing sample of the best scholarly work in your chosen language of study
• CV
• GRE scores
• Letters of recommendation-3
• International applicants are required to submit TOEFL/IELTS

For specific details on a particular language degree, please see the official website of your desired university.