Fairleigh Dickinson University

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree balances language acquisition, literary and cultural study, and foundational linguistics. You will typically choose a primary Romance language such as Spanish, French, Italian or Portuguese and progress from elementary through advanced levels, while taking modules that introduce linguistic description and analysis.

• Core language sequence: progressive courses in speaking, listening, reading and writing, conversation, and advanced composition in your chosen Romance language(s).
• Linguistics foundations: phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and introductory computational or experimental methods that provide tools for analysing language structure.
• Applied and theoretical topics: sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, language acquisition (first and second language), translation studies and language pedagogy.
• Literature and culture: surveys of major authors and periods, genre studies, film and media in Romance-language contexts, and courses in cultural history and contemporary society.
• Capstone and practicum: senior seminar or capstone project integrating linguistic and literary approaches, and opportunities for classroom practica or supervised internships in community organisations, schools or publishing/translation settings.
• Study abroad and immersion: semester and short-term programmes with partner institutions that provide immersive language and cultural experiences, often recommended for students aiming for advanced oral proficiency.

Entry requirements

Admission to the programme requires a standard undergraduate application to Fairleigh Dickinson University, submission of official secondary school transcripts and fulfillment of the university’s general admission criteria. Applicants who have studied a Romance language previously are encouraged to submit documentation of coursework to enable correct placement.

• High school diploma or equivalent with academic coursework across core subjects.
• Evidence of academic readiness for university-level study; selective programmes may look for demonstrated achievement in language, humanities or related courses.
• International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through approved exams or credentials if their prior education was not in English.
• Placement testing in the chosen Romance language may be used to determine starting level; advanced standing can be granted for prior university-level study or recognised exams.
• Applicants interested in the teacher preparation route should consult the university’s education department for additional certification requirements and procedures.

Career prospects

Graduates leave the programme with advanced language skills, analytical abilities in linguistics and cultural literacy that are applicable across multiple sectors. Many pursue careers or further study in areas that value multilingual communication and critical analysis.

• Teaching and education: classroom teacher (with appropriate certification), language instructor, adult education and TESOL.
• Translation and interpreting: literary, technical or community interpreting and translation for public agencies, NGOs and private firms.
• International business and diplomacy: roles in multinational corporations, export/import, cultural affairs and consular services.
• Media, publishing and communications: editing, content creation, localisation and cultural consultancy for publishers and media organisations.
• Research and graduate study: advanced degrees in linguistics, literature, comparative studies, applied linguistics or language education leading to academic and research careers.

Why study at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson offers a personalised learning environment with small class sizes and direct access to faculty who work across language, literature and linguistic disciplines. The university’s partnerships, regional and global campus connections, and emphasis on experiential learning support practical application of language skills.

• Opportunities for study abroad and exchange with institutions in Romance-language countries to build authentic communicative competence.
• Internship and practicum links with local schools, community organisations and businesses to gain workplace experience while completing the degree.
• Support services including language labs, writing centres and career services that help students refine professional skills and prepare for postgraduate plans.
• Flexible curriculum that allows students to combine language study with minors or concentrations in areas such as international relations, business, education or digital media.