The Department of Languages & Literatures

Study a Second Language in UNC Asheville’s Languages and Literatures Programs

A languages and literatures degree prepares you for an exciting role in engaging with diverse cultures and building connections across communities. Our hands-on learning opportunities, faculty mentorship, and study abroad options enrich your studies and prepare you for a meaningful career.

Programs
Careers & Outcomes
Internship Opportunities
Study Abroad
Scholarships
Department Faculty

Languages & Literatures Department Programs and Concentrations

Languages & Literatures

B.A. with Concentration in Spanish or Intellectual Communication

A languages and literatures degree prepares you for an exciting role in engaging with diverse cultures and building connections across communities. Our hands-on learning opportunities, faculty mentorship, and study abroad options enrich your studies and prepare you for a meaningful career.

Intercultural Communication

Major Concentration Minor Certificate

A major concentration in Intercultural Communication provides students with the skills to bridge people across cultures both within their first language and also between two language communities. Students in the program will build culturally-responsive intermediate or higher proficiency in a second language, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills that can be applied in both local and global contexts. Also available as a minor or certificate

Spanish

Minor

The Spanish concentration provides opportunities to study the language, literatures and cultures of Spanish-speaking lands in the broader context of the liberal arts. Students in the program are expected to use Spanish to communicate and interact intellectually within local or global contexts. The department encourages international study.

French

Minor

As a student in the French minor, you engage in dynamic and interactive language courses led by passionate instructors dedicated to your success. Beyond the classroom, unlock opportunities to apply your language skills and cultural knowledge through study abroad programs, our student club, and more as you connect with UNC Asheville's vibrant community and explore French literature, art, history, and culture.

German

Minor

Through cultural immersion, study abroad, undergraduate research, and our lively campus community, UNC Asheville's German minor equips you for success in today's globalized world. Here, you enrich your understanding, transform your outlook, and prepare to engage with international cultures, histories, and languages. Join a one-of-a-kind educational experience led by expert faculty guiding you to proficiency.

Courses in Cherokee and Portuguese also offered

Careers & Outcomes

A degree in Languages and Literatures prepares students for a variety of career paths that involve strong communication, analytical, and critical thinking abilities. Language skills are highly valuable as more employers seek individuals with a strong foundation in a second language. With such a versatile degree, students can become translators or interpreters, copywriters, technical writers, teachers, and more.

Recent graduates utilize their language degree in positions at respected companies and institutions across the nation, and some students gain acceptance to graduate schools to advance their education.

Explore Career Paths

Outside the Classroom

Internships

Hands-on internships allow Languages and Literatures majors to hone their skills in practical settings. These experiences prepare students for what they may encounter in their career, ultimately equipping them with the adaptability many employers seek.

Learn More About Internships

Outside the Classroom

Study Abroad Opportunities

In the Department of Languages and Literatures, students are encouraged to engage in many experiential learning and extra –curricular opportunities that we offer. Each language of the department provides different faculty-led study abroad programs and trips, clubs, internships, and service learning. We work closely with study abroad staff to ensure students get a truly international experience. We also collaborate with several national honor societies, and assist our students in finding awards and scholarships.

Study Abroad Program

Scholarship Opportunities

Pursue a more affordable language degree at UNC Asheville thanks to scholarship options offered through the University, as well as those specific to languages and literatures majors. By studying French, German, or Spanish, you may qualify for awards of varying amounts, and we encourage you to reach out to learn more about current and future opportunities.

Learn More About Scholarships

French is just a personal love of mine, the language is beautiful and language learning feels very organized and compatible with how I learn.

Keith Edgemont ‘23

Languages & Literatures Department Faculty

Languages and Literatures faculty are either native speakers of the language they teach or have extensive experience abroad, and UNC Asheville’s small classes make it easy for students to connect with professors to build mentoring relationships and receive personalized instruction.