Department of Languages and Cultures
Our Program Goals
1. Provide pathways for students to reach advanced second-language proficiency.
2. Provide pathways for students to reach advanced cultural proficiency.
3. Provide students with high impact learning opportunities.
Do you want to get a real advantage?
The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and its Lead with Languages campaign say:
- 9 out of 10 U.S. employers rely on employees with language skills other than English.
- 56% say their foreign language demand will increase in the next 5 years.
- 47% state a need for language skills exclusively for the domestic market.
- 1 in 3 language-dependent U.S. employers report a language skills gap.
- 1 in 4 U.S. employers lost business due to a lack of language skills.
Learn a second language!
Current Languages and Cultures majors are dual majors in:
American Sign Language, anthropology, art and art history, biology, communication studies, computer science, criminal justice, digital forensics, economics, English, history, management, marketing, mass communications. mathematics, nursing, philosophy, physics, political science, pre-med, social work, sociology, teaching and learning, and theatre arts.
Contact Information
Department Chairperson
Christopher Donahue | 570-389-4714
Department Secretary
Roni Naparsteck | 570-389-4750
Office: 570-389-4750
570-389-3992
Faculty Contact Info
Students deciding to combine a Languages and Cultures major with another major recognize that by adding it to their credentials, they're providing themselves with greater opportunities in the job market!
If a major doesn’t fit your plans, how about a minor? Let us know!
We would like to know your preference for studying a second language.
The Power of Second Language Proficiency
If you have strong second language skills, you are an asset to any employer. The Department of Languages and Cultures provides its students with systematic Four-Skill Language Assessment (Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing). The professionally rated assessments represent an excellent addition to student portfolios, as well a means of motivating students to achieve their highest level of proficiency in their second language.
Second Language Goal
We can provide you details on how to satisfy the MyCore Second Language Goal!
Are you a Languages and Cultures student transferring to BU?
If you are transferring to BU from another post-secondary academic institution:
- Congratulations! We believe you’ve made a good choice.
- But... You need to have sound advisement from the very beginning!
- So... plan to meet in person with the chairperson of the department, Christopher Donahue, department chair, as soon as you are able. The chairperson will provide you with a semester-by-semester map of your Languages and Cultures degree and assign you an appropriate advisor. Your advisor will help you schedule your Languages and Cultures courses and your General Education courses on a semester-by-semester basis.
- Then... work hard and graduate on time!
Study Abroad
Study abroad is the single-most valuable part of you education as a learner of a second language. While you will learn much about your chosen language of study via your classroom and co-curricular activities in the Department of Languages and Cultures, nothing can take the place of an extended, direct immersion experience in a place where the language you study is the language of everyday life.
There are a number of ways to pursue study abroad opportunities. Your professors can give you some recommendations, but you should plan on communicating directly with the Office of Global Education in order to find the program and the place that are right for you.
Do not be deterred by financial concerns. The typical study abroad experience at BU does not incur student costs that exceed what students typically pay as part of their normal tuition, room and board expenses. Whether you are a Languages and Cultures major, minor or simply interested in taking full advantage of the experiences BU has to offer, carefully consider your study abroad options.
