Salisbury University

What you'll study

The programme integrates language acquisition, literary analysis, and linguistic theory. Students typically follow a progressive sequence in one primary Romance language (commonly French or Spanish, with opportunities to study Italian and Portuguese), moving from elementary through advanced levels. Core linguistic topics include phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics, with applied modules in second-language acquisition and language pedagogy.

Complementary coursework covers the literatures and cultures of Romance-language communities, including historical surveys, genre studies (poetry, prose, drama), and contemporary cultural studies. Students also complete translation and interpreting practicum, composition and rhetoric in the target language, and research methods leading to a senior seminar or capstone project.

• Elementary to advanced language sequences
• Phonetics and phonology
• Morphology and syntax
• Sociolinguistics and dialectology
• Second-language acquisition and language teaching methods
• Romance literatures and cultural studies
• Translation, interpreting practicum and applied linguistics
• Research methods and senior capstone or honours thesis

Students are encouraged to take interdisciplinary electives in areas such as history, international studies, digital humanities and education. Study-abroad experiences and internships with community organisations, schools or translation services are strongly supported and commonly integrated into degree plans.

Course structure

The programme is structured across four years with increasing options for specialisation in the third and fourth years. Lower-division courses build language proficiency and foundational linguistic concepts; upper-division seminars focus on theory, research, and applied practice. Students work closely with faculty on independent research or practicum in their final year.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary-school diploma. Typical admissions considerations include academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining interest in languages and linguistics, and at least one academic letter of recommendation. Prior study of a Romance language is advantageous but not always required for beginners’ tracks.

International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through accepted testing or equivalent qualifications, unless exempt. Placement testing in the target Romance language helps determine appropriate course entry level. Transfer applicants are assessed on college transcripts and may receive credit for prior language courses where content and level match programme requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of fields that value strong language skills, analytical thinking and cultural literacy. Common career destinations include:

• Secondary and community education (often combined with teacher certification pathways)
• Translation and interpreting for public agencies, private firms and NGOs
• International business and diplomacy, including roles in customer relations, localisation and global marketing
• Publishing, journalism and communications with a focus on multilingual content
• Graduate study in linguistics, applied linguistics, TESOL/education, or comparative literature
• Non-profit and community organisations working on bilingual outreach and cultural programming

Internships, study-abroad experience and faculty mentorship at Salisbury University support smooth transitions into professional roles or advanced degrees.

Why study at Salisbury University

Salisbury University offers a small-campus environment with close faculty-student interaction in language and linguistics courses. The programme emphasises both practical language proficiency and theoretical knowledge, supported by on-campus language resources such as language labs and multimedia materials. Faculty members are active in research and applied projects, providing mentorship for undergraduate research, capstones and conference presentations.

The university’s partnerships and regional connections facilitate internship placements and community-engaged learning opportunities. Study-abroad partnerships give students direct access to immersion in Romance-language countries, while campus career services and alumni networks help with professional development. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to combine language study with complementary majors or minors in areas such as education, international studies, communication or digital media.