University of San Diego

What you'll study

This programme blends intensive language training with courses in literature, cultural studies and linguistics. Students typically begin with a sequence of language classes in one or more target languages drawn from the Slavic, Baltic and Albanian families—examples include Russian, Polish, Czech, Croatian/Serbian/Bosnian, Lithuanian, Latvian and Albanian—moving from beginning to advanced levels according to placement.

• Language acquisition: structured multi-level courses emphasising oral communication, reading comprehension, writing and grammar.
• Literature and culture: surveys of national literatures, thematic courses (for example, modernism, war and memory, diaspora literature) and studies of film, folklore and cultural history.
• Linguistics core: foundational courses in phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics, along with elective topics such as sociolinguistics, historical linguistics and language typology focusing on Eurasian languages.
• Specialist modules: translation and interpretation, comparative grammar, language contact and minority language issues, and digital humanities methods applied to textual analysis.
• Capstone and research: a senior seminar, independent research project or honours thesis where students apply linguistic methods or conduct literary analysis under faculty supervision.
• Practical experience: opportunities for internships, community language teaching, and study abroad or faculty-led programmes in relevant countries to consolidate real-world language skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants require a standard undergraduate admission to the University of San Diego: a secondary school diploma or equivalent, official transcripts and any materials requested by the Admissions Office. The university considers academic record, essays, recommendation letters and extracurricular achievement.

• Evidence of academic readiness for a university-level liberal arts degree, typically demonstrated by strong secondary school coursework.
• There is no universal requirement to have prior study of a Slavic, Baltic or Albanian language; beginners are usually welcome, though placement tests determine starting level. Students with prior language study may receive advanced placement.
• International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency via recognised tests or approved alternatives unless waived by prior education in English.
• Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and descriptions of completed coursework for transfer-credit evaluation.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with advanced linguistic and intercultural skills sought by employers in many sectors. Career paths commonly pursued include:

• Translation, interpretation and localisation work for public and private organisations.
• Government, diplomacy and foreign service roles, including intelligence and policy analysis where regional expertise is valued.
• International NGOs, humanitarian organisations and cultural institutions engaging with Eastern European and Balkan communities.
• Education: K–12 and postsecondary language teaching, language programme administration and curriculum development (often requiring additional teaching credentials).
• Publishing, media and journalism focusing on regional coverage, literary translation or cultural reporting.
• Business and international trade roles that require language skills for market research, client relations and cross-border collaboration.
• Further academic study in linguistics, literature, area studies or related fields leading to research and university careers.

Why study at University of San Diego

The University of San Diego offers a liberal arts environment with small class sizes, enabling close mentorship from faculty who specialise in linguistics, Slavic and Balkan studies. The programme leverages USD's language resources—such as language labs, conversation partners and cultural events—and encourages experiential learning through internships and study abroad partnerships.

San Diego's geographic and institutional context provides unique opportunities: proximity to international consulates, cross-border organisations and a diverse immigrant population supports extracurricular engagement and community-based language practice. Faculty-led research and capstone supervision help students build a portfolio of applied and scholarly work that prepares them for both professional careers and graduate study.