B.A. in Foreign Language

The language programs from VCU's School of World Studies not only provide written and oral communications skills, but a deep understanding of culture and history. As a result, our graduates gain the true cultural fluency and competency necessary to succeed in diverse, international and multidisciplinary environments.

Interested in a career in education or earning an accelerated master's degree? Check out opportunities for foreign language majors.

Concentrations

The B.A. in foreign language offers the following concentrations. In addition to completing coursework to meet concentration requirements, students also participate in at least one experiential learning opportunity, such as a study abroad program, internship or major-specific service-learning course.

French

For the concentration in French, students complete coursework to demonstrate intermediate-level cultural competence and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in French. 

Degree Details

German

Students who choose the German concentration will complete coursework that demonstrates intermediate-level cultural competence and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in German.

Degree Details

Spanish

For the concentration in Spanish, students complete coursework to demonstrate intermediate-level cultural competence and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in Spanish.

Degree Details

Dual Languages

In the dual languages concentration, students must complete 18 credits in a target language and 15 credits in their chosen second language.

Degree Details

Do More With Your Degree

Students pursuing a B.A. in foreign language can consider the following. 

Education Minors

Students who minor in education and also earn a foreign language degree may be better equipped to teach their chosen foreign language.

Another beneficial minor to explore: TESOL, or teaching English to speakers of other languages.

Accelerated M.S. in Business

Qualified students can earn both the B.A. in foreign language and M.S. in business with a concentration in marketing management in five years. Foreign language concentrations can include FrenchGerman and Spanish. Students holding these degrees combine knowledge and skills in language, culture and business.

jami bricker

Meet an Alum

2010 graduate Jami Bricker (née Eaton) gained linguistic sophistication and cross-cultural communication skills that have been vital to her success in graduate school and her career with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.

Read our feature on Jami.