New Applied Language Concentrations

Beginning in Fall 2022, the B.S. degree in Foreign Languages will offer new Applied Language concentrations in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. Applied Language concentrations consist of 27 semester hours and require a corollary course of study or a second major in another discipline or concentration. Students who major in Foreign Languages will be able to choose between the Professional Concentrations or our new Applied Language Concentrations.

Which concentration is right for you?

B.A. or B.S. in Foreign Languages with a Professional Concentration

A student who is preparing for careers such as teaching, translation/interpretation, foreign service, as well as for graduate study may complete either a B.A. or a B.S. in Foreign Languages with a Professional Concentration in French and Francophone Studies, German, Japanese, or Spanish. These concentrations consist of 39 semester hours (40 for Japanese) and include 4000-level courses and a 1-credit Senior Professional Development Workshop. 

The Professional Concentrations are the standard choice for most students because they maximize the opportunities to hone your communicative proficiency and develop intercultural competency. Students who wish to pursue a double major should also complete the professional concentration if they can fit it into their overall program of study. A second major may count as a required minor. Students seeking a teaching license in French, German, or Spanish must complete the Professional Concentration, FL 4500 Introduction to Teaching Foreign Languages, a minor, and an additional minor in Secondary Education.

B.A. in Foreign Languages, Professional Concentration

General Education:	41 hours
Major Requirements:	39 hours (40 for Japanese), excluding 1010
Minor Requirements:	18 hours (B.A. degree requires a B.A. minor)
Electives:	21-22 hours
Total hours needed to graduate:	120 hours

 

B.S. in Foreign Languages, Professional Concentration

General Education:	41 hours
Major Requirements:	39 hours (40 for Japanese), excluding 1010
Minor Requirements:	36 hours (B.S. degree requires two minors)
Electives:	3-4 hours
Total hours needed to graduate:	120 hours

B.S. in Foreign Languages with an Applied Language Concentration

Students who are primarily interested in enhancing their job prospects in another discipline but who cannot fit the Professional Concentration into their overall program of study should consider our Applied Language Concentrations in French, German, Japanese, or Spanish. These concentrations will enable you to develop a higher level of communicative proficiency and intercultural competency than a minor in the language would allow. 

The interdisciplinary focus of these concentrations prepares students for emergent and in-demand careers that are enhanced by proficiency in a second language. Current market trends are calling for graduates who can function effectively in “hybrid” positions. This means that students who seek proficiency in more than one area will be more competitive candidates when entering the job market. Earning trends indicate that candidates who have proficiency in a second language could earn up to 15-20% more in entry-level positions. The study of applied language, combined with a corollary course of study, will help to prepare students for successful careers in a variety of fields. For example, students could pursue a corollary course of study or a second major in Global Studies, International Organizational Leadership, International Relations, International Tourism, Health Communication, Organizational Communication, or Information Technology. This course of study is designed to be flexible, offering a customized program that enhances students’ employability in their chosen field.

Alongside the 27 semester hours of language study, students will take 24 hours of corollary courses in another field that reflects their professional goals. This corollary course of study will be chosen in consultation with faculty and advisors in all relevant disciplines. A double major also satisfies the requirement for corollary courses.

B.S. in Foreign Languages, Applied Language Concentration

General Education:	41 hours
Major Requirements:	27 hours, excluding 1010
Corollary Courses:	24 hours (also satisfied by a double major)
Electives:	28 hours
Total hours needed to graduate:	120 hours

Questions? Please contact:

French, Dr. Ann McCullough, Ann.McCullough@mtsu.edu  
German, Dr. Mike Rice, Michael.Rice@mtsu.edu  
Japanese, Dr. Priya Ananth, Priya.Ananth@mtsu.edu  
Spanish, Dr. Jason Pettigrew, Jason.Pettigrew@mtsu.edu