Global Opportunities
Develop advanced language skills while exploring the cultures, histories and perspectives that shape our world. Through immersive coursework, study abroad, internships and faculty mentorship, you’ll build communication and intercultural skills for careers across fields.
Why Earn Your Global Languages and Cultural Studies Degree at St. Edward's?
Build the language proficiency, cultural understanding and global perspective to thrive in an interconnected world. Through immersive learning, study abroad, faculty mentorship and real-world experiences, you'll develop the skills to communicate across cultures and prepare for meaningful careers at home and around the globe.
Develop Real-World Language Skills
Build advanced proficiency in one or more languages while gaining the cultural knowledge and communication skills to work confidently across borders, industries and communities. You'll strengthen your ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds through immersive coursework and hands-on learning.
Learn Beyond the Classroom
Take your education into the world through study abroad opportunities, community engagement and cultural experiences that deepen your language skills and global perspective. You'll have opportunities to learn in countries including Spain, France, Costa Rica, Japan, Italy and beyond.
Prepare for a Global Career
Whether you're interested in healthcare, international business, education, nonprofit leadership, government or graduate study, you'll graduate with the language proficiency, intercultural competence and analytical skills employers value. You can also expand your expertise through opportunities like the Advanced Spanish for Health and Helping Professions Certificate.
Life as a Global Languages and Cultural Studies Student at St. Edward's University
Language comes to life through conversation, connection and cultural exploration. As a Global Languages and Cultural Studies major, you'll strengthen your language skills through cultural events, language clubs, study abroad and community engagement. Along the way, you'll broaden your perspective, build lasting friendships and gain the confidence to communicate across cultures in meaningful ways.
A Highly Successful Global Languages and Cultural Studies Program
A Global Languages and Cultural Studies degree from St. Edward's prepares you to communicate across languages, cultures and perspectives in today's interconnected world. Through immersive learning, study abroad, internships, faculty mentorship and community engagement, you'll graduate with the language proficiency, cultural fluency and critical thinking skills to pursue careers across industries or continue your education through graduate or professional study.
Frequently Asked Questions about a Global Languages and Cultural Studies Degree from St. Edward's University
Engage with diverse cultures and languages from around the world. By studying two modern languages, you’ll enhance communication skills, cross-cultural understanding and critical thinking. Embrace the challenge and fulfillment of becoming multilingual and open doors across the hemispheres.
A few examples of courses students take in the major:
- In Topics in Comparative Languages, Literatures and Cultures, better understand the world around you by sharing your own experiences as well as learning about those of your classmates.
- In Multilingualism in the U.S. and Intercultural Communication, improve your communication skills, cross-cultural understanding and critical thinking.
What skills will you gain?
Upon completing the Global Languages and Cultural Studies program, you’ll be ready to…
- Develop language proficiency in one or more languages, including Spanish, French, German and Japanese.
- Gain intercultural communication skills and global awareness.
- Critically think and communicate with those in fields such as international business, diplomacy, translation, education and more.
Find what you need to apply and important deadlines. When you are ready, there are three ways for you to apply to St. Edward’s:
Add St. Edward’s to your list of schools if you’re using the Common Application to save time applying to your top colleges.
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Freshman ApplyTexas Application
It’s easy to apply using our convenient online application.
Major Requirements: The BA in Global Languages and Cultural Studies is a 36-hour major requiring students to choose a primary language (18 hours beginning at 2311 or higher), a secondary language (12 hours beginning at 1311 or higher), and to complete 2 required core courses (CLLC 1310, CLLC 4330) taught in English. Languages include German, French, Spanish and Japanese. Students who test out of or place beyond beginning and intermediate levels will complete the degree with approved electives.
Electives: Students who are waived from intermediate courses through the departmental placement test or who demonstrate advanced proficiency may choose to take up to 6 hours of approved electives (in English) to reach the 36-hour major requirement.
View and download the full degree plan for our Global Languages and Cultural Studies major.
At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.
View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Languages, Literature and Cultures webpage.
Making an Impact
Jessica Gallardo ’25 brought her interest in languages, cultures and global issues to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she conducted research examining how investment from China and the United States may influence the voting behavior of African countries in the United Nations General Assembly.
Through the McNair Scholars Program, Jessica strengthened her skills as a researcher while exploring the connections among culture, international relations and communities around the world. The experience also inspired her to consider a future in academia or with an international organization such as the United Nations.
“Because of McNair, I’ve learned to ask more questions, to be more curious, to find out why things happen and how they impact vulnerable communities.”
Jessica hopes to become a professor and mentor future students, extending the same support and encouragement she received at St. Edward’s.