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World Languages and Cultures

Learning world languages and cultures provides you with a global, cross-cultural understanding of the world around you, in addition to familiarizing yourself with another language.

A building in another country
A building in another country

Types

Bachelor
Minor

Location

On-Campus

Credits

33*

Cost

$9,875

To change the world, you must first understand it.

With a degree in world languages and cultures, you’ll not only develop a personal appreciation for foreign languages, but also help fill a critical role in one of many fields – education, law enforcement, and medicine, for example – that would benefit from knowing another language and culture. Not only will you be able to communicate with a greater number of people, but you’ll also improve your memory, awareness of other perspectives, and critical thinking. Many employers today prefer candidates with second-language skills, so you will elevate your chances for higher pay and increased job opportunities.  

And don't forget about study abroad! Improve your intercultural competence and language skills like never before by travelling abroad and living among the locals. University of the Cumberlands has partner programs in Costa Rica, England, France, Spain, and Ireland. Working alongside our world languages faculty, you’ll develop the skills you need to meet your educational and career goals.  

Anchor: Stats

By the numbers

$49,110

Average Salary:

20%

Industry Growth

1 in 5

Make Dean's List

30+

Countries Represented
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog. 

General Education Requirements

Bachelor of Arts

This is your chance to foster your love for language and culture while earning a college degree. Our world languages and cultures degree program offers courses and other experiences in the Spanish and French languages, world cultures, literature, translation, and more. You'll be prepared for graduate and professional programs and for careers in which knowledge of another language and culture is vital. By exploring these topics in detail, you will set yourself apart within the workforce and become a highly sought-after employee.

Course Requirements

Minor

If you’re looking to expand your language skills and cultural understanding – but still study a different major – then a minor in world languages and cultures is an excellent option for you. Taking courses over Spanish and French languages, world cultures, literature, and translation is a good way to step into a new language while also becoming accustomed to its culture. In the meantime, you’ll also gain invaluable communication and critical-thinking skills that will benefit any career you pursue.   

Core Requirements

Two classes (6 credit hours) are required, one of which (3 hours) must have a FREN, SPAN, or WOLC prefix.

Choose from the following: 

  • HESS 402 Global and Cultural Influences on Nutrition  
  • SOWK 436 Human Diversity  
  • MUSC 401 World Music  
  • WOLC 434 Language in the World  
  • WOLC 490 Special Topics in World Languages and Cultures  
  • FREN 491* Cultural Immersion in French  
  • FREN 492* Independent Research in French  
  • SPAN 491* Cultural Immersion in Spanish  
  • SPAN 492* Independent Research in Spanish  

*Requires department chair approval 

Take the Next Step

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

The Department of World Languages and Cultures is committed to providing you with the tools needed for global, cross-cultural understanding, including the ability to understand and use the French and Spanish languages. To this end, the Department offers c

Communicate Spanish and French – speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Expand your cross-cultural competence.

Understand other cultures’ histories, cultures, and lifestyles.

Apply cultural knowledge in daily life and the workforce.

Strengthen your empathetic, analytic, memory, and adaptability skills.

Anchor: Career Outcomes

World Languages and Cultures Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Interpreter/Translator: $49,110

Interpreter/Translator: $49,110

Would you enjoy converting information from one language into another? Working as an interpreter or translator is an important job. You’ll earn a median annual salary of $49,110 in a field with an expected growth rate of 20% over the next eight years. 

Law Enforcement/ National Security: $49,110

Law Enforcement/ National Security: $49,110

Maybe you feel a call to work in Law Enforcment or National Security, protecting the rights and safety of those around you. From local police departments to the FBI, DEA, CIA, agencies need people who can communicate in more than one language. With a median annual salary of $66,020 and a project job growth of 3%, a degree in World Languages and Cultures could just be the start of your future of helping protect others. 

International business: $76,570

International business: $76,570

You could also contribute to the global economy by using your foreign language experience to strengthen business endeavors around the world. Working in international business, you could earn a median annual salary of $76,570 in a field with a projected growth rate of 7%.

Healthcare: $75,040

Healthcare: $75,040

With a degree in world languages in cultures, you may even find yourself working in healthcare. Hospitals, clinics, private practices, and labs all need Spanish-speaking personnel. You’d earn a median annual salary of anywhere from $29,880, to $75,040, in one of the most important fields of work, where the job rate is projected to grow 13% by 2031. 

High School Teacher: $61,820

High School Teacher: $61,820

The United States is currently experiencing a teacher shortage in world languages and cultures, but Cumberlands' graduates are rising to the challenge. With your degree you can take on one of the most important and influential roles possible teaching the future generations. Teachers earn a median annual salary of $61,820 and are projected to grow 5% by 2031. You can also pursue a graduate degree and work as a postsecondary teacher!

International Missionary: $60,050

High School Teacher: $61,820

Ministers and evangelizes in different countries around the world in a variety of ways – whatever God calls you to do, wherever He tells you to do it. 

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

A world languages and cultures degree focuses on studying multiple languages and the cultures associated with them. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of global cultures, enhance language proficiency, and develop cross-cultural communication skills.

A bachelor's degree in world languages and cultures typically takes about four years to complete when studying full-time. An associate degree, if available, usually takes two years. The time may vary depending on the program's structure and the student's pace.

Yes, many universities offer online degrees in world languages and cultures. These programs may include virtual classes, language labs, and cultural studies components. Some programs might also offer hybrid options that combine online coursework with in-person requirements.

A world languages and cultures degree can be worth it if you are interested in global cultures and languages. It opens up diverse career opportunities and enhances skills in communication, empathy, and critical thinking. It can also lead to higher job prospects and salaries in fields such as international business, translation, and education.

With this degree, you can pursue careers in various fields such as:

  • Interpreter/Translator: Converting information between languages.
  • Law Enforcement/National Security: Working in roles that require multilingual skills.
  • International Business: Engaging in global trade and business development.
  • Healthcare: Assisting non-English speaking patients.
  • Education: Teaching languages at various educational levels.
  • International Missionary: Working in global outreach and service roles.

To obtain this degree, enroll in an accredited program offering a Bachelor of Arts or similar degree. Complete required coursework in language studies, cultural analysis, and possibly engage in study abroad programs or internships to gain practical experience.

Studying world languages and cultures helps you understand and appreciate global diversity, enhances communication skills, and provides a deeper awareness of different perspectives. It prepares you for careers that require cross-cultural interactions and contributes to personal growth and adaptability in a globalized world.

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in World Languages

Learn more about the world languages professors you will interact with.

Jennifer Marsh

Jennifer Marsh

Professor
World Languages

Jennifer Marsh

Contact Information

606-539-4427
jennifer.marsh [at] ucumberlands.edu
Bennett Building, Room 029
Dr. Laura Dennis

Dr. Laura Dennis

Professor of French / Chair of World Languages
World Languages

Dr. Laura Dennis

Contact Information

606-539-4441
laura.dennis [at] ucumberlands.edu
Bennett Building 032
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