Foreign Languages and Literature at SIUE
At SIUE, we take our students out into the world and bring the world to our students. Our program curriculum includes subject areas focusing on the languages, literatures, cultures and histories of diverse regions and countries. Our K-12 teacher certification program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (CAEP/ACTFL).
Language learners are brought together in a variety of settings including classroom, language lab, study abroad destinations, language conversation hours and student organizations. While offering opportunities to study many different languages from around the world, we provide a balance between delivering courses to students majoring in foreign languages and literature, and contributing to general education course requirements. Study abroad opportunities are offered in countries all around the world.
In addition to our concentration areas in French, German and Spanish, language courses are offered in Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Italian, Latin and Yoruba. Interdisciplinary minors are available in African studies, Asian studies, classical studies, European studies and Latin American studies.
Professors in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature have trained at the finest universities in the United States and abroad. Staff members are experienced in all aspects of language teaching and are committed to student success and well-being. At SIUE, our students are never just a number. College of Arts and Sciences faculty and staff ensure that students receive personal attention in order to help them achieve their full potential.
Degrees Available at SIUE
- Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, Foreign Language & Literature (specialization required in one of the following)
- Professional Educator Licensure (K-12) program in French, German or Spanish
What can I do with a degree in foreign languages and literature?
Increasing diversity in the United States requires more professionals have diverse language skills and cultural awareness. Students graduating with knowledge of one or more foreign languages will have a competitive edge in today’s high level of globalization in the world economy. Some recent graduates from the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature hold positions with companies such as Alloy Holdings, Boeing, Express Scripts, Deloitte Tohmatsu, Anheuser-Busch, the AIDS Foundation and Wells Fargo.
At SIUE, many of our students pursue a double major and combine foreign languages with fields such as business, law enforcement, nursing, medicine, engineering and construction. Training is also available for students completing degrees in business, pharmacy and nursing.
