If you've set out to learn a language, you know that the favorite question of parents and well-meaning relatives is: "How is [insert name of language here] going to help you find a job?" Well, for starters, a language major doesn't restrict your job opportunities. On the contrary, a major in languages will open up more career options and make you more competitive on the job market. How?

• A liberal arts degree - At most upper level colleges and universities, a major in a foreign language is a solid liberal arts degree, and as with any liberal arts degree, the knowledge and abilities you obtain are applicable across a wide range of fields. Depending on the language you choose, your skills can prove of great professional value in fields as widely varied as business, medicine, sciences, engineering, computing, music, art, law, social work, public relations, politics, and the travel industry - and these are just a select few of the fields in which languages may be relevant.
• Cultural competence - In addition, your communication skills and cultural know-how can nicely complement virtually any career preparation. The study of a language entails much more than merely learning grammar and memorizing vocabulary. It gives you solid preparation for understanding and dealing with an entirely new culture, a skill of increasing significance due to globalization. Proficiency in foreign languages and an understanding of other cultures are essential tools in an increasingly interdependent world. For this reason, your communication skills and cultural know-how can nicely complement virtually any career preparation.
• Diverse skill set - Apart from linguistic and cultural proficiency, a major in a language tells a potential employer something about the kinds of skills and abilities you possess: flexibility in learning and thinking, an appreciation of diversity, awareness of global perspectives, and the ability to interact effectively with people of different backgrounds, to name only a few.

Richland offers classes in a variety of foreign languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, and Spanish. Students can take classes to fulfill foreign language requirements for Associate of Arts degrees or pursue a concentration in foreign language as part of their Associate of Arts degree.

Baccalaureate/Transfer Option

• Associate of Arts with concentration in Foreign Language
  • Suggested courses for the Foreign Language Concentration: two years of study in the chosen language
  • Additional suggested courses: one sequence in United States or ancient or European history and literature courses

Foreign Language Course Offerings

• Arabic
• Chinese
• French
• German
• Spanish

Other Useful Documents

• Current Course Catalog