What can you do with a world languages degree?

You can study language on its own or combine it with other areas of study to make yourself more competitive in a global professional marketplace. Our programs connect to a variety of academic and career possibilities.

All of our languages complement studies and career paths in diplomacy, foreign service, education, publishing, media, communications, global studies, and international business. Some of our graduates also go on to pursue graduate studies in language, business, or other fields.

Here are some other great combinations:

  • Arabic: political science, intelligence, military careers
  • French: history, literature, travel industry
  • German: history, literature, engineering, science and technology
  • Japanese: science and technology, engineering
  • Russian: political science, intelligence, history, literature
  • Spanish: nursing and medicine, history, law, criminal justice

Careers

World languages graduates find jobs in a variety of areas with many types of employers.

To see what some of our alumni are doing with their language degrees, visit our alumni page.

 AreasPotential Employers
Arts, Media, Entertainment
  • Advertising
  • Broadcasting/Journalism
  • Public Relations
  • Publishing/Editing
  • Translation/Interpretation
  • Museums
  • Foreign news agencies
  • Book publishers
  • TV networks
  • Radio stations
  • Film companies
Government
  • Broadcasting/Journalism
  • Civil Service
  • Customs
  • Diplomacy
  • Foreign Service
  • Immigration/Naturalization
  • Intelligence
  • Law Enforcement
  • Linguistics
  • Translation/Interpretation
  • Department of State
  • Immigration and Naturalization Service
  • Law Enforcement Agencies (FBI, CIA, DEA)
  • Customs Service
  • Library of Congress
  • Armed Forces
  • Overseas aid agencies
  • Voice of America
Industry and Commerce
  • Administrative Services
  • Banking/Finance
  • Consulting
  • Customer Service
  • Engineering/Technical
  • Imports/Exports
  • Manufacturing
  • Operations Management
  • Research
  • Sales
  • Banks
  • Financial institutions
  • Import/Export Companies
  • Foreign firms operating in the U.S.
  • U.S. firms operating abroad
  • Manufacturers
  • Retail stores
Interpretation/Translation
  • Types of Interpretation:
    • Simultaneous
    • Consecutive
    • Conference
    • Escort/Guide
    • Legal
    • Medical
    • Community
  • Types of Translation:
    • Literary
    • Legal
    • Medical
    • Business
  • Freelance
  • Educational services
  • Business services
  • Government agencies
  • Healthcare organizations
  • International organizations
  • Courts
  • Publishers
Service and Education
  • Civil Service
  • Educational Administration
  • Health Services
  • Library Science
  • Linguistics
  • Mission / Relief Work
  • Social Work
  • Teaching
  • Translation/Interpretation
  • Hospitals
  • Religious and volunteer organizations
  • International organizations
  • Law enforcement agencies
  • Social services agencies
  • Pre-schools
  • K-12 schools
  • Universities and colleges
  • Professional language schools
  • English language institutes
  • Overseas dependents’ schools
Travel and Tourism
  • Translation/Interpretation
  • Airline Services
  • Hotel Industry
  • Management
  • Booking and Reservations
  • Travel Services/Guidance
  • Tour and excursion companies
  • Travel agencies
  • Hotels
  • Resorts
  • Restaurants
  • Airlines/Airports
  • Cruise lines
  • Railroads
  • Bus lines
  • Convention centers