Roger Williams University

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme emphasises language proficiency, literary and cultural analysis, and core concepts in linguistics. Students typically choose a primary Romance language such as Spanish or French and pursue sequential language courses that move from intermediate to advanced conversation, composition and grammar. Coursework in literatures covers a range of periods and genres — for example, contemporary novels, poetry, theatre and film in the chosen language — with attention to historical and cultural contexts.

• Language sequence: advanced composition, conversation, idiomatic usage, and media in the target language.
• Linguistics: introductory phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax, sociolinguistics, and language acquisition as they apply to Romance languages.
• Literature and culture: survey and specialised seminars on national literatures, literary theory, cultural studies and comparative approaches.
• Applied skills: translation and interpretation, language pedagogy, digital humanities methods and professional communication.
• Capstone and practicum: a senior seminar or research project; opportunities for internships with community organisations, media outlets or international business partners.
• Study abroad and immersion: semester or short-term programmes in countries where the language is spoken are strongly encouraged to build fluency and cultural competence.

Entry requirements

Applicants should present a high school diploma or equivalent with a record of academic achievement. Recommended preparation includes coursework in English and modern languages. Admission typically considers the overall secondary school transcript, teacher recommendations and a personal statement demonstrating interest in languages and cross-cultural study.

Students with prior study in a Romance language may take a placement test to determine their appropriate entry level. International applicants whose first language is not English will be expected to demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or equivalent evidence; specific documentation requirements are provided by the university admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates leave the programme with strong oral and written communication skills, analytical ability and intercultural awareness, all of which are valued across multiple sectors. Common career paths include:

• Secondary or post-secondary language teaching (often following teacher certification or graduate study)
• Translation and interpretation for public institutions, non-profits or private firms
• International business, government and diplomacy roles that require language skills and cultural literacy
• Publishing, journalism, content creation and foreign-language media
• Graduate study in linguistics, literature, area studies or applied fields such as TESOL

Why study at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University offers a small-college environment with close faculty mentorship, which benefits language learning and discussion-based literature seminars. The university’s emphasis on experiential learning means students can combine classroom study with internships, community partnerships and study abroad programmes to deepen practical language use.

Students also benefit from cross-disciplinary connections across international business, communication and environmental studies, enabling career-relevant specialisations. Campus resources such as language tables, tutoring, and career services support skill development and job placement as students prepare for careers that require advanced linguistic and cultural competence.