Brandeis University

What you'll study

The programme builds progressive competence in at least one Romance language (commonly French, Spanish, Italian or Portuguese) through sequential language courses from intermediate to advanced levels, combined with systematic study of literature, culture and linguistics. Core linguistics components typically include courses in phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics, as well as courses on language acquisition and sociolinguistics. Literary and cultural modules introduce students to major authors, genres and critical approaches across periods and regions, and often incorporate film, visual culture and postcolonial studies.

Students normally take a mix of required core courses and electives, enabling specialisation in areas such as translation theory and practice, comparative literature, cultural studies, language pedagogy, or computational approaches to language. The curriculum emphasises close reading, critical writing, and oral proficiency; many degree programmes also require a capstone experience such as a senior seminar, honours thesis or independent research project supervised by a faculty member.

Opportunities for experiential learning are integral: classroom study is frequently complemented by language tables, conversation groups, internship placements in the Boston area, and semester or summer study-abroad options in countries where the target languages are spoken.

Entry requirements

Admission to Brandeis is competitive and based on a holistic review of secondary-school records, teacher recommendations, personal statement and extracurricular engagement. Applicants are expected to have a strong academic record with coursework that demonstrates readiness for college-level language and humanities study; two or more years of secondary language study is commonly recommended. International applicants must present the equivalent of a US secondary-school diploma and demonstrate English proficiency according to the university’s published policies.

There are no specific standardised-score cutoffs listed here; prospective students should consult Brandeis admissions for current test-optional policies and guidance on application components. Depending on prior preparation, students may be placed into appropriate language-course levels after placement testing or assessment during orientation.

Career prospects

Graduates leave the programme with high-level language abilities, analytical and research skills, and experience in cross-cultural communication, preparing them for a range of career paths. Typical destinations include:

• Teaching and education, including classroom language teaching and language programme coordination;
• Translation, interpreting and localisation roles in public and private sectors;
• Publishing, journalism and media positions that value strong writing and multilingual skills;
• International relations, diplomacy and work in NGOs or multilateral organisations;
• Business, marketing and international development roles where language and cultural expertise are assets;
• Further study in graduate programmes in linguistics, comparative literature, area studies, education or law.

Alumni also leverage internships and Boston-area connections to move into technology, user-experience research and data roles that draw on linguistic analysis and applied language skills.

Why study at Brandeis University

Brandeis offers the benefits of a research university with small-class attention: seminar-style teaching, close mentorship from faculty active in scholarship, and opportunities for undergraduate involvement in faculty research. The programme’s interdisciplinary environment encourages students to combine languages and linguistics with fields such as history, philosophy, women’s, gender and sexuality studies, or international and global studies.

Located near Boston, Brandeis gives students ready access to cultural institutions, internships and language communities. The university supports study abroad and international exchange programmes to strengthen immersive language learning, and co-curricular resources—language tables, student-run cultural associations, and writing centres—help students develop practical communication skills. The institutional emphasis on social responsibility and critical inquiry complements language and cultural study, preparing graduates to apply their expertise in socially engaged and culturally informed ways.