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Undergraduate Programs

Department of World Languages & Cultures

Learn about the undergraduate programs offered by the Department of World Languages and Culture.

Explore the many opportunities to major in a language, or add value to another degree by learning to speak another language.

Undergraduate Degrees Offered

French, B.A. The French major promotes language fluency, research skills and cultural awareness. It provides all you need to succeed in a wide range of careers and can help you discover a world of opportunities abroad or closer to home. Learn More
French, B.A. with Teacher Licensure The teacher licensure program is designed to develop highly competent professionals to serve in educational leadership roles. Discover
German Studies, B.A. The German Studies program fosters a critical understanding of German culture through the study of language, literature, art, history, film, media and contemporary culture. View Now
Spanish, B.A. Our program allows you to explore the Spanish language and culture through diverse courses from linguistics to literature, film and pedagogy. Explore Now
Spanish, B.A. with Teacher Licensure You will earn a degree that will help you prepare students for success in a diverse, globalized world. Learn More
Spanish, B.A./M.A. Our program provides you with an accelerated five-year option to pursue baccalaureate and master’s degrees simultaneously. Students can count up to 12 hours of graduate-level courses to fulfill requirements for the B.A. and use those same 12 credits toward the M.A. in Spanish. Get Involved

World Language Requirement

The language requirement generally requires you to complete a language course at the 201 level (or higher depending on placement). If you continue with a language you studied in high school, you usually need to take one or two courses to fulfill the requirement.

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Seahawk statue in the front of campus at night

Academic Catalogues

Our undergraduate and graduate catalogues are a valuable resource for prospective and current students, faculty, advisors and staff.

Explore Our Academic Catalogues

Placement Test

The Language Placement Tool assesses your current language abilities and matches you to the language course most suitable for your level. It is offered online in French, German, Latin and Spanish.
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Minors

Classical Studies The interdisciplinary classical studies minor will add value to your UNCW degree by providing you with a multifaceted understanding of the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome, as well as of the Western foundations of modern intellectual traditions. Learn More
French A minor in French demonstrates your interest and knowledge in foreign languages and cultures, which are increasingly important elements of a well-rounded education. Explore Now
German The German Studies program fosters a critical understanding of German culture through the study of language, literature, art, history, film, media and contemporary culture. View Now
Japanese Pair your major with a Japanese minor to gain an edge in your future profession and the global workforce. The Japanese program emphasizes authentic learning experiences that help you to develop language skills and sociocultural competencies. Get Involved
Middle East & Islamic Studies Learn about cultures, histories, languages, religions, geographies, politics and literature of the Middle East. Our program takes an interdisciplinary approach to the cultures of this region, which has had an important impact on the development of our civilization and plays a vital role in today's world community. Learn More
Portuguese/Brazilian Studies Portuguese is spoken in eight countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. It is the 3rd most widely spoken Western language after Spanish and English, and the 6th worldwide, after Mandarin, Spanish, English, Hindi and Arabic. Find Info
Russian Studies Immerse yourself in two semesters of fun and challenging Russian language courses on campus. Interested in continuing? Enroll in our Russian Studies Consortium, participating virtually in a class taught at another N.C. university and through study abroad opportunities. Discover Russia
Spanish Gain the ability to converse in social situations on a range of topics. Be able to read short stories, news items, bibliographical information, social notices, personal correspondence and business letters and conduct research. Learn Spanish
Check Out the Catalogue for Course Details
Other Language Courses

American Sign Language

UNCW is committed to offering rigorous classes in languages, literatures, and cultures, and since 2008 we have been part of that effort.

Since 2008, students have been able to use ASL to fulfill of their foreign language requirement.

See ASL Curriculum

Learn Italian

UNCW offers introductory Italian courses on campus for in-person learning. Students who wish to continue studying Italian may continue learning the language through UNC's World Language Exchange or other accredited universities.
We offer Italian 101 and 102 during the academic year. These classes are offered on campus and in-person at UNCW.

When These Courses Take Place

  • ITN 101 in the fall
  • ITN 102 in spring 
See Italian Courses

To Learn More Italian

Students wishing to continue in Italian may take courses through the:

  • UNC World Language Exchange
    NC Online
  • Or another accredited institution and request transfer credit

ITN 101 and ITN 102 may be used to partially fulfill the UNCW language requirement.

Study Abroad

Recent UNCW students interested in studying Italian have studied abroad at the University of Florence and the American University of Rome.

Undergraduate Student Resources

Find helpful tools, resources and information undergraduate students will want to know.
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