This degree provides proficiencies in the student’s choice of French, German, or Spanish. A study-abroad requirement ensures grounding and experience among native speakers.
If you want to gain a broad appreciation of language while specializing in the study of French or German, consider this degree. Global trade, the Internet, and improvements in transportation are accelerating rates of cultural and intellectual exchange. With this degree, you can help bridge the gaps between cultures and languages.
Prepare for the future by immersing yourself in diversity. With our linguistic, literary, and cultural approaches to language study, you will learn to think critically and develop skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. You will grow to understand and appreciate diverse cultures. In an international climate, second-language skills will open doors in many careers.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | 2.0 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
| Foreign Language | Required |
| Study Abroad | Required |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
| Emphasis Required | An emphasis is required for this major. |
Purpose Statement
The Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages provides students with a socio-cultural and historical background as well as linguistic abilities to engage with French, German, Japanese, and Spanish speaking populations from around the world in a variety of social and cultural contexts. Through linguistic, literary and cultural approaches to the study of the French, German, Japanese, and Spanish language, our students develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills that allow them to understand and interact effectively with diverse cultures. Throughout this process the students develop cognitive skills in critical thinking and analysis and recognize the importance of being able to function in a global society. With their linguistic abilities in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish, they are better able to compete for career opportunities in the domestic and global job markets and are prepared to become productive, responsible members of the local, national and international communities in which they live and work.
Student Learning Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes are Aligned with Standards for Language Learning created by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
Upon completing this degree, students will be able to:
Emphasis in French
This major requires 40 - 41 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 40 - 41 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each letter graded course and with a passing grade in pass-fail courses.
Be aware that you must complete at least 12 units of upper division(300 - 400) of your emphasis prefix (FRE, GER, JPN, or SPA) in your core and/or emphasis.
Core Requirements (18 units)
French and Francophone Studies Emphasis (23 units)
German Emphasis (23 units)
Interdisciplinary Global Programs Emphasis
You may only complete the Interdisciplinary Global Programs (IGP) Emphasis if you are concurrently enrolled in an eligible degree offered through the College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences (CEFNS), the College of Engineering, Informatics and Applied Sciences (CEIAS), or the W. A. Franke College of Business. For a listing of eligible degrees, please contact an advisor in CEFNS, CEIAS, or the W. A. Franke College of Business.
Minor Option
A minor is not required for the Modern Languages BA. However, if you do not have a second major, we strongly encourage you to consult with an advisor about a minor and/or elective coursework that is appropriate for your career aspirations and educational needs.
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
You may not count FRE 101 and FRE 102 and FRE 105, GER 101 and GER 102, or SPA 101 and SPA 102 toward your major requirements.
In addition, you may only take lower-level FRE, GER, or SPA courses if you have not already taken advanced FRE, GER, or SPA coursework. For instance, after you've completed 200-level FRE, GER, or SPA courses, you can't take FRE, GER, or SPA courses at the 100 level; after completing 300-level courses, you can't take 100 or 200-level courses.
Some courses may be fulfilled by CLEP or by challenge exam.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.