World Languages and Cultures Minor

What you will study

While a Modern Languages degree focuses on one language, a minor in World Languages and Cultures lets you explore more.

With Chinese, French, German or Spanish available, you’ll choose three you wish to learn. For two of those world languages, you’ll take two classes each, taught by our award-winning educators who are either tenured faculty or native speakers. For your third choice, you’ll take five classes for more in-depth learning of that language and culture. If you choose to study abroad, whether to Japan, Korea, Spain or another exciting destination, you can earn credits towards your World Languages and Cultures minor.

Fast track your Modern Languages degree or minor

A Language and Culture minor is widely chosen by UCM students who achieved high school language proficiency. Take one of our placement exams to see if you can receive credit for one or two elementary language degree courses in Chinese, French, German or Spanish. In addition, if you score a grade of C or higher in Elementary II and Intermediate I classes, you will receive additional credit hours at no tuition charge.

 

 

Unique learning opportunities in world languages and cultures

At the University of Central Missouri, we help you get the most from your Modern Languages degree or World Languages and Cultures minor with interactive and real-world experiences. Sharpen your linguistic skills or expand your cultural competency with the following opportunities:

Visit UCM languages labs: Converse with, and get feedback from, the native and advanced speakers who staff our languages labs to sharpen your world languages skills in Chinese, French, German or Spanish.

Study abroad: Choose from over 60 countries to study abroad. Practice your language and expand your cultural understanding in an exciting destination, while earning course credits.

Join the Modern Languages Club: Network with other students pursuing a Modern Languages degree or minor as you celebrate cultural events and enjoy other social activities.

Attend the Modern Languages Foreign Film Festival: Watch foreign films created by students in grades 6–12 and take part in other events as part of this annual UCM celebration.

 

What can you do with a minor in World Languages and Cultures from UCM?

Most UCM bachelor’s degrees would benefit from a World Language and Culture minor. A linguistic and cultural proficiency can help you serve a multicultural community, work in government at any level or communicate with co-workers across international borders. When applying for a job, your Modern Languages degree or minor will demonstrate to employers your flexibility in learning and critical-thinking skills. This can put you ahead of your competition and even earn you higher pay, as we often hear from UCM alumni.

UCM majors benefit from world languages education

A minor in World Languages and Cultures pairs well with a Modern Languages degree, since several classes can be used towards completing the major. This allows you to gain knowledge of additional languages in addition to your primary focus to expand your skills and career opportunities. Undergraduate students who choose a minor in World Languages and Cultures also often major in Criminal Justice, International Studies or Political Science. Pairing any one of these majors with a World Languages and Cultures minor is a solid choice to prepare for law school.

Looking forward with a Modern Languages degree or minor

Speak with the Modern Languages program coordinator or faculty member about other opportunities with your World Languages and Cultures minor or Modern Languages degree. We provide the interactive tool below for details on related careers.

 

 

Financial assistance options for your language and culture education

A quality education has substantial value, and at the University of Central Missouri, our goal is to help you achieve it. That’s why we offer competitive tuition rates — lower than those of other four-year colleges. In fact, we have been named a top-ranked university for low student debt by LendEDU.

Discover our resources for financing your education. These provide information on scholarships, grants, loans and work study opportunities. No matter your major, whether completing a Modern Language degree or Criminal Justice degree, as examples, you’ll likely have a variety of opportunities for funding.

You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.