The department offers undergraduate options in French, German, Spanish, Asian Studies, and Latin American & Latino Studies. In our language programs, lower division courses are designed to help students acquire a strong Intermediate level of proficiency. Upper division courses strengthen Intermediate level skills and develop Advanced level functions through the study of culture (literature, history, art, etc.). For students interested in teaching, K-12 teaching options are offered in French, German, and Spanish. Students without prior language study who are interested in the literature and culture of Chinese, French-, German-, Japanese-, and Spanish-speaking peoples may choose elective credits from a variety of courses taught in English. 

The major and minors in Asian Studies and Latin American & Latino Studies include both a language component and a flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum. Asian Studies also offers more focused minors in Japan Studies and China Studies.

In addition to providing opportunities for students to participate in MSU-sponsored study abroad programs, the department offers advice concerning the role of language study in career planning. Foreign languages are used by interpreters, translators, and teachers; but proficiency in another language also enhances job opportunities in any career. Foreign language training is a critically important skill for careers in business and commerce, health care, government service, law enforcement, social services, and agriculture.