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About This Program

Hallo! Konnichiwa! Ciao! The ability to read, write and speak in several different languages is a unique skill that leads to personal growth and professional success. As a Modern Languages major in the Option II program, you will build global awareness and inclusive communities at home and abroad while learning to understand, communicate and adapt to different cultures.

Option II in World Languages is an undergraduate program with two concentrations: one in French as a primary language (also known as Dual-Language Major in French) and one in Spanish as a primary language (also known as Dual-Language Major in Spanish). With innovative technology and teaching techniques, this degree program addresses current events and relevant topics in different cultures to build proficiency in both a primary and a secondary language. Depending on the primary language, the secondary language can be: French, German, Italian, Japanese or Spanish. Unique experiences and insights prepare you for continuing with graduate studies, working in diverse environments and traveling the world.

Benefits of Earning Your Degree at MSU Denver

Ann Williams with a student in a counseling session

Study abroad in Spain, Mexico, France, Germany, Italy or Japan, where you can develop your foreign language skills and deepen your cultural perspective. The Department of Modern Languages awards several scholarships each year to Modern Languages majors who participate in study abroad. The Office of International Studies at MSU Denver also helps Modern Languages majors explore other study abroad opportunities through other institutions.

Join student clubs and organizations on campus. As a Modern Languages, you may be interested in the National Foreign Language Honor Society, Phi Sigma Iota, as well as Spanish Club, French Club, Italian Club, Japanese Club or the National German Honor Society, Delta Phi Alpha.

Contribute to the diverse communities of MSU Denver and the greater metropolitan area. National Language Week, Translation Colloquium and research conferences are a few examples of special events hosted throughout the year by MSU Denver’s Department of Modern Languages.

Get additional guidance on your path to earn your bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages. Faculty and academic advisors provide support and resources to keep you on track with identifying areas of interest, registering for classes, developing skills and achieving goals.

Career Opportunities for Our Graduates

Modern Languages Option 2 Career Options

Jobs in Modern Languages are as diverse as they are interesting. You can use your multilingual fluency skills to build local communities and the global economy by working in education, international business, tourism, law enforcement, government, social services, foreign relations, health care and more. Achieve career success in Modern Language jobs such as these:

  • Teacher
  • Interpreter
  • Translator
  • Journalist or foreign news correspondent
  • Ambassador
  • Travel writer
  • Anthropologist
  • Travel agent
  • Book editor
  • Foreign service officer
  • Customs inspector
  • Linguist
  • Immigration inspector
  • Tour guide

Featured Faculty

Lawrence GlatzLawrence Glatz

Professor of German Lawrence Glatz received a President’s Performance Stipend for Teaching Excellence and a Bright Ideas/Best Practices Teaching Award for his submission, “Cybertrips to German-speaking countries”. His research focuses on the use of technology and computers in instruction and teacher training, as well as history, crime, violence and the victim in Nobel Laureate Heinrich Böll’s nonfiction and fiction works of literature. Also an MSU Denver Excellence in Academic Advising Award winner, Glatz has participated in several exchange and study abroad programs as both a student and educator, most recently spending a semester at the University of Cologne and the Heinrich Böll Archive as a guest researcher.

Alumni at Work

With a Bachelor of Arts degree in French or Spanish from MSU Denver, Modern Languages majors work in a wide variety of industries and roles including:

  • Elementary school teacher
  • Immigration services personnel
  • Overseas English and Spanish teacher

Department of Modern Languages

Located on the 3rd floor of the Plaza Building

Department of Modern Languages Contact Information

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, from 9:00am-5:00pm

Faculty Mailboxes: Plaza Building 360

Phone: 303-615-1122

Mailing Address:
Department of Modern Languages
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Campus Box 26
P.O. Box 173362
Denver, CO
80217-3362