Program Details
Bachelor of Arts, Major in Modern Foreign Languages
Bachelor of ArtsJames Madison University
Students can earn both a B.A. in Modern Foreign Languages and a minor in a specific language. Currently the department provides:
- Four years of instruction in Arabic, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
- Three years of instruction Chinese and Japanese.
- Two years of instruction in Ancient Greek, Latin, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian and Swahili.
The minimum requirement for a major in languages is 33 upper-division credit hours in a specific language.
Program Overview & Guidance
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | The major program in Modern Foreign Languages is made up of eleven 3-credit courses above the intermediate level. Course topics include civilization, literature, culture, linguistics, etc. Many students double major; this will make them more appealing as job candidates. The best combination will be a major in foreign languages paired with a major in an entirely different field. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Complete courses that are equivalent to 2 years (4 semesters) of JMU's lower language levels (beginner and intermediate) in order to satisfy the BA language requirement. The completion of the two years of the language are necessary to continue to upper-level major and minor programs.
|
| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | JMU is unique because has professional minors that increase possibilities and success in your future career, including Business French, Business German, Business Italian, Business Spanish, Medical Spanish, Legal Spanish, and Spanish Translation/Interpretation. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | Those students who have a bachelor's degree with a concentration (major) in a foreign language are employed by graduation or the fall following graduation by companies and agencies that have international connections, collaborate with foreign companies, or have branches abroad. Recent graduates have been named as Fulbright Scholars or progressed to graduate study in programs across the country, have been hired as teachers in the United States and abroad, or are working in the corporate, nonprofit, or government sectors. The rate of graduates who are able find a job with their knowledge of a foreign languages is very high. |
Program Credit Requirements
If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between James Madison University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of an approved transfer associate degree will guarantee fulfillment of JMU's General Education requirements. https://www.jmu.edu/transfer/VCCStransfer/ASDegrees.shtml |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
| Credit for Prior Learning | JMU accepts and reviews AP, IB, CIE and CLEP for all students with eligible scores, which may be different than at your prior institution. JMU will complete an independent review of the test score to apply credit to the JMU student record. Credit for prior learning (CLEP) is awarded on a per case basis for Adult Degree (Individualized Studies Majors) and RN-BSN students only and in consultation with the department of expertise, with the exception of military service credit. Credit for learning acquired in military service is awarded by the registrar's office using the ACE guide credit recommendation for study/experience listed on the military transcript and in consultation with the department of expertise. |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | JMU is a mid to large size institution that behaves more like a smaller institution. Faculty and staff hold students as the top priority. JMU has a 96% satisfaction rate. 89% of classes have less than 50 students. JMU is the #1 most recommended public University in the US by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education; JMU is the #1 Best College for Employment in Virginia according to U.S. Department of Education statistics compiled by Zippia. JMU has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Transfer applicants applying through the Guaranteed Admissions Agreement must submit a Letter of Intent prior to applying to JMU. Requirements and forms are available at: https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-GAA.shtml |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in General Foreign Languages, Major in Classical Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in General Foreign Languages, Major in French | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in General Foreign Languages, Major in German | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in General Foreign Languages, Spanish Major | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Modern Languages: French BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Modern Languages: French PK-12 BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Modern Languages: German BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Modern Languages: German PK-12 BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Modern Languages: Spanish BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Modern Languages: Spanish PK-12 BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Modern Languages: Teaching English as a Second Language BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Modern Languages: Teaching English as a Second Language PreK-12 BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Foreign Languages | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Foreign Languages | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Foreign Languages, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | French-BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Not Specified |
| Old Dominion University | German-BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Not Specified |
| Old Dominion University | Spanish-BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Not Specified |
| Old Dominion University | World Cultural Studies-BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Not Specified |
| University of Mary Washington | BA in French | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Mary Washington | BA in German | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Mary Washington | BA in Spanish | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Spanish Major - BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Foreign Language with concentration in Dual Languages, Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Foreign Language with concentration in French, Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Foreign Language with concentration in German, Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Foreign Language with concentration in Spanish Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1124.00 | Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach languages and literature courses in languages other than English. Includes teachers of American Sign Language (ASL). Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 27-3091.00 | Interpreters and Translators | Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 25-2031.00 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
Cost To Complete