Pittsburg State University

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary degree combines language acquisition, literary study, and linguistic analysis. You will progress through a structured language sequence in one primary Romance language (commonly Spanish or French), moving from foundational grammar and conversation to advanced composition and oral proficiency. Core linguistics topics include phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics, giving you tools to analyse how languages work and vary.

• Language sequence: progressive courses in speaking, writing, listening and reading that culminate in advanced conversation and composition.
• Literature and culture: surveys of major authors and movements, film and media studies, and courses on cultural history and cross-cultural communication.
• Linguistics core: introductory and upper-level classes in phonetics, syntax, morphology, sociolinguistics, and language acquisition.
• Applied skills: translation and interpreting practicum, computer-assisted language learning, and courses in teaching methodology for those considering K–12 or postsecondary instruction.
• Capstone/Research: a senior seminar, independent research project or practicum that integrates language, literature and linguistic analysis.

Electives allow you to combine the major with minors such as education, business, global studies, or computer science, and opportunities for study abroad and internships are encouraged to enhance real-world language use.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent and submit an official academic transcript. Admissions decisions consider the overall academic record; applicants with relevant language study in high school have a stronger preparation for advanced courses. International applicants or those for whom English is not a first language must demonstrate college-level English proficiency through an accepted test or other institutional measures.

Transfer students should provide college transcripts and any placement information for language courses. Placement testing may be required to determine appropriate course level in the language sequence. Prospective teaching candidates should review state certification requirements if they plan to pursue K–12 licensure.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics acquire versatile skills in communication, cultural literacy and analysis. Typical career paths include:

• Secondary or postsecondary language teacher (often followed by teacher preparation for K–12 certification)
• Translator, interpreter or localisation specialist in private sector, public service or non‑profit organisations
• Roles in international business, marketing, hospitality and tourism that require language skills and intercultural competence
• Government and diplomatic service, immigration and community outreach, and positions in international development
• Further study in linguistics, literature, applied linguistics, translation studies or related graduate programmes
• Careers in publishing, journalism, library sciences, or language technology where analytical and writing skills are valued

Why study at Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg State offers a student-centred learning environment with small class sizes that enable close interaction with faculty who specialise in both language pedagogy and linguistic research. The university emphasises applied learning: students have access to language labs, opportunities for community engagement and local partnerships for internships, and guidance to pursue study abroad experiences that deepen linguistic immersion.

The department supports flexible degree plans so students can combine language study with complementary fields—such as education, business or computer science—to match individual career goals. Faculty mentoring, undergraduate research projects and practicum options prepare graduates for both immediate employment and further academic study.