• Students placing in 200- or 300-level courses may receive up to 8 departmental advanced placement credits for prior level courses, if the credits have not already been earned through AP or transfer.
• Advising for international area studies, an option in the general studies program, is provided in the Department of Foreign Languages and Cultures.
• Scholarships are offered annually to new and ongoing students, and for study abroad.
• Students may complete up to 12 credits a semester or 18 credits for two semesters in a study-abroad program to count as coursework in their language majors.

Bachelor of arts in foreign languages and cultures

WSU offers majors in:

• Spanish
• French
• Chinese Culture
• Japanese Culture
• Japanese Teaching
• Spanish Teaching
• French Teaching 

Language-in-the-professions majors

Foreign Languages and Cultures offers professional majors in French, German, Japanese and Spanish. These are second majors only, to be combined with a primary major in another academic area.

The language-in-the-professions major will help you become fluent in the vocabulary and culture of a profession related to your major (for instance, medicine, engineering, business, law, politics, etc).

Minors

Chinese
French
French/Francophone Area Studies
Film Studies
French for Design and Merchandising
German
German Area Studies
Japanese
Latin American Area Studies
Russian
Spanish
Global Studies

Certificates

Arabic Language
Italian Language
Korean Language
Core competencies in Spanish Language and Culture (online only)

Certification requirements

24 completed semester credits
2.0 minimum grade point average

Suggested classes for freshmen:

• Appropriate level of language instruction
• Follow the required UCORE and major requirements

Suggested classes for transfer students:

•  Appropriate level of language instruction
• Meet with advisor to determine which courses are needed

Math requirement

Any UCORE, most commonly:
  Fin 223 [QUAN]: Personal Finance
  Math 105: Exploring Mathematics
  Math 212: Introduction to Statistical Methods
  Phil 201: Elementary Logic

Core courses

204: Fourth Semester Language
306: Intermediate Reading and Translation
307: Intermediate Speaking and Listening
308: Intermediate Grammar and Writing

Other languages

While we currently do not offer a minor or major in Arabic or Korean, the following classes can be used in the Global Studies minor and the International Area Studies major.

• Arabic 101, 102, 203, 204
• Korean 101, 102, 203, 204

Graduation requirements

See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog to graduate.

For language students

The Department of Foreign Languages and Cultures awards numerous scholarships annually for new students, continuing students, and those pursuing study abroad.

Students majoring in a foreign language also may apply for more than $50,000 in scholarships awarded by the College of Liberal Arts.

For all students

A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs. Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.

Students should complete the Washington State University general scholarship application and the FAFSA to ensure their eligibility for the widest range of scholarships and need-based financial aid.

For information or to apply for financial aid and scholarships from WSU, see the Scholarships and Finances section of the WSU website.

What you can do with a degree in foreign languages and cultures

Advance your career in:

• Public relations, marketing, and advertising
• International business, banking, and finance
• Travel, tourism, and hospitality
• Health and social services
• Science, engineering, and technology
• Music, film, drama, entertainment, photography
• Journalism, publishing, and editing
• Translation and interpretation in healthcare and legal services professions
• Education/teaching in middle school, high school, and college
• Customer service and personnel management
• Customs and immigration
• Law enforcement
• Intelligence (CIA, FBI, National Security)
• Peace Corps and aid agencies

Skills you can market with a degree in foreign languages and cultures

Proficiency in a language other than English

Cross-cultural communication

Awareness of cultural differences and sensitivity to cultural issues

Global experience

Ability to adjust to new environments

Ability to interact effectively with people of different backgrounds

Enhanced speaking and writing abilities

Enhanced reading and listening comprehension skills

Independent, critical, and creative thinking with increased analytical and problem-solving skills

French Club
Spanish Club
WAZZU Films Club