Modern Languages Minor

What you will study

What are Modern Languages? At the University of Central Missouri, you have your choice of minoring in German, French, Spanish or Chinese. You’ll complete a variety of classes, including one upper-level course, focused on that language. As a result, you’ll graduate with linguistic skills beyond the Elementary II level, in addition to cultural competency and a solid foundation for global citizenry. 

Expand your worldview with language degree minor courses such as Cross Cultural Cinema Weimar History and Culture, World Languages in Translation and courses on the German fairy tale, among others. 

Like our alumni who earn a degree in Modern Languages, you’ll also show potential employers you have vital skills for a variety of jobs. In addition to language skills in Spanish, German, French or Chinese, these include great discipline in learning, diverse communication skills and critical-thinking skills.

Previous language experience may earn you credit toward your Modern Languages minor. Ask about our placement exams in French, German or Spanish. Students with the Seal of Biliteracy may also qualify for credit towards a minor or degree in Modern Languages.

 

 

Unique learning opportunities minoring in modern languages

At the University of Central Missouri, we know students want experiences outside the classroom. Whether pursuing a degree in modern languages or a minor, you want to boost your capabilities and amplify your overall college experience. 

What are modern languages’ opportunities for a better experience?

Visit UCM language labs and converse with fluent tutors, who are oftentimes native speakers or may be pursuing a Modern Languages degree. You can also enhance your minor in Modern Languages through involvement in:

• UCM’s study abroad program: Many students seeking their Modern Language degree or minor choose to study abroad for a summer while earning course credit. Diverse opportunities are available to you, and you may even qualify for scholarships and grants to fund the experience. Popular study abroad locations include Germany, France and Spain, but we can help you get study abroad experience and language credit in Korea, Japan or other countries.
• The Modern Languages Club: Consider joining this club for unique ways to learn about your chosen culture, as well as others. Network with other Modern Languages degree and minor students, watching foreign films and celebrating events such as Day of the Dead and Oktoberfest.
• The Modern Languages Foreign Film Festival: An annual event hosted by the University of Central Missouri, the Modern Languages Foreign Film Festival allows students in grades 6–12 to create and submit short foreign films. We then invite them to campus to watch the films, join workshops and receive awards.

 

What can you do with a UCM minor in Modern Languages from UCM?

A Modern Languages minor will add value to any UCM degree you choose to pursue. If you’re a Criminal Justice or Marketing major, for example, you demonstrate to employers your ability to communicate with people in another language. In fact, alumni often tell us their language degree earned them higher pay or a higher-ranking position.

Pursuing a Modern Languages degree

After you’ve started classes in the Modern Languages minor, you may realize you want to learn more. Within our Modern Languages program, we offer three options to earn a bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages and gain a deeper understanding of your chosen language and culture. Our Professional Applications concentration applies a Modern Languages degree to different fields, such as criminal justice, marketing and public relations. If you’re interested in learning several languages, we also offer a World Languages and Cultures minor.

Opportunities available for a Modern Language degree or minor

Your program coordinator and other Modern Languages faculty are available and happy to discuss your opportunities with a Modern Languages degree or minor in Modern Languages. You may also use the interactive tool below for career-specific details.

 

 

Financial assistance options for your modern languages education

A Modern Language degree or minor in German, Chinese, French or Spanish provides high value for your future. The University of Central Missouri is committed to helping you get a quality education. To do so, we offer competitive tuition rates that are less than those of many other four-year colleges across the United States. We also make available various resources to finance your education.

Search the UCM Scholarship Finder, and you’ll find opportunities for students minoring in Modern Languages. Other scholarship opportunities become available if you choose to expand your language studies to a Modern Languages degree.