Majoring in a language means studying the language and culture of the people and places where the language is spoken. Knowledge of a foreign language deepens understanding of one's own language and culture and contributes toward a greater appreciation of other cultures. Area studies majors further attain an interdisciplinary perspective on a diverse region of the world. Our programs are designed to help students develop the linguistic and cultural knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to a multilingual, international society.
The Department of Languages and Cultures (LANC) at Chico State offers majors and minors in German, Spanish (General and Pre-Credential), Asian Studies, and Latin American Studies, as well as minors in French, Italian, Japanese, African Studies, European Studies, and Middle Eastern Studies. In addition, the department offers an MA degree in Language Teaching and a Graduate TESOL Certificate.
What are Languages and Cultures alumni doing?
Teaching Spanish in the Region
Many Spanish teachers in the Northern California region are graduates of the Spanish program at Chico State.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation
After finishing grad school and an international internship, one graduate of the Languages and Cultures Department now works on nuclear non-proliferation.
Working abroad as an Engineer
Languages and Cultures majors pair well with other disciplines. One alumnus is a software engineer living and working in Germany because he majored in German and Engineering at Chico State.
Nonprofit Work
Knowledge and communication skills from one alumna’s Latin American Studies major is essential in her director position at an organic farming nonprofit organization.
Health Professions
One Asian Studies graduate uses linguistic and intercultural communication skills daily in her job as a hospital social worker and case manager.
International Education
Many LANC grads use their intercultural skills in careers as study abroad advisors, international student advisors, or teaching English abroad.
Graduate School is Common
Graduates interested in a career in teaching languages pursue our MA in Language Teaching .
Other LANC graduates have been accepted to top master’s and doctoral programs in Spanish, Latin American Studies, Linguistics, International Affairs, Public Administration, Law, Higher Education Organization and Leadership, Social Work, Geography, Medical Anthropology, Archaeology, and others.
