What can you do with a degree in foreign languages?

Language graduates are poised to enter a multitude of career areas: The tidal wave of globalization has increased the demand for professionals who are competent in multiple languages. Recent adjustments in the international political scene suggest the demand for foreign language graduates will certainly continue to increase.

Degree Possibilities

We encourage our graduates to get creative with their degrees in order to enhance their marketability upon graduation. A double major that combines language study with a major in a field such as business, international affairs, health science, sociology or technical and scientific communication are popular alternatives.

Career Possibilities

Many JMU alumni choose foreign language teaching as a career, as the demand for language teachers and teachers who know a second language is increasing at every educational level. While some may choose teaching, a significant proportion of alumni pursue advanced work at graduate institutions. Others find attractive positions in government agencies such as the Department of State, Department of Defense, National Security Agency and Federal Bureau of Investigation (to name a few). Many other career opportunities may include, but are not limited to, banking, import/export law, medicine, ministry, museum work, public relations, social work, and translation. For more information on careers, check out our Modern Foreign Languages Career Guide: http://www.jmu.edu/cap/careerguide/fl.shtml.

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