Whether or not you major or minor in a world language, odds are that as a Ball State student you’ll be studying in the Department of Modern Languages and Classics. Language and culture studies are an important part of an undergraduate education and many bachelor’s degrees require you to take two years of a world language. Even if your degree does not require it, studying another language is a great idea. After all, of the billions of people on the planet, most don’t speak English as their native language. We offer courses in Arabic, Chinese, Classics, French, German, Japanese and Spanish.

A new Minor in Arabic Language, Religion, and Culture will be included in the 2021-2022 catalog. This minor facilitates achievement of high intermediate proficiency in spoken and written Modern Standard Arabic according to Foreign Service Institute standards, and introduces students to the cultural commonalities, including Islam, across the pan-Arab world, in addition to  its religious and cultural diversity.   Students will also explore the notions of Arab and Islamic identity and their significance in the world today. For more information, please click here. This minor replaces the old Arabic minor.

Studying another language or culture will allow you to expand your worldview, develop cross-cultural understanding, improve communication skills, enhance your self-awareness, and increase employment opportunities. Languages truly open doorways to the world.

Bachelor's
student in the David Owsley Museum of Art

Classical Cultures Major

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

With Ball State’s major in classical cultures, you’ll become fully immersed in the fascinating and significant civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome. If your career ambitions include teaching in a secondary or post-secondary setting—or advancing to graduate-level work—these majors will help you achieve your goals. Learn more.

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French Major

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

Ball State’s major in French will help you become fluent in one of the most beautiful romance languages in the world. You’ll graduate prepared for a wide range of career fields in government, business, law, communication, and more—or for further study in graduate school. Learn more.

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Japanese Major

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

Ball State is one of only two universities in Indiana to offer a bachelor’s degree in Japanese. This major will prepare you for a variety of roles in a modern world that is more and more influenced by Asian cultures. Learn more.

Spanish student smiling at camera

Spanish Major

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

Spanish is one of the most widely-spoken languages and is rapidly growing in importance in the U.S. Ball State’s major in Spanish will prepare you to navigate national and international economies and communities that are increasingly dependent on Spanish. Learn more.

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Teaching Majors in Foreign Languages

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in French, Japanese, Latin, or Spanish

In an increasingly diverse and international global system, the ability to communicate in multiple languages is a valuable and necessary attribute. Ball State’s world language teacher education program intertwines the two disciplines of language and teaching through four teaching major options: French, Japanese, Latin, and Spanish. Learn more.

Arabic Language, Religion, and Culture

The Arab world is increasingly a significant influence in contemporary world politics and the world economy. Study the 5th most common language in the world and foster international awareness and critical, objective thinking with respect to Arab and Islamic culture. Learn More

Chinese

As Asian economies and politics grow more important in world affairs, a strong understanding of the Chinese language will become equally important. Ball State’s minor in Chinese provides that foundation. Learn more.

Classical Cultures

Complement your major with Ball State’s minor in classical cultures. This course-of-study focuses on ancient Greek and Latin cultures, the underpinnings of Western Civilization. Learn more.

French

Ball State’s minor in French is an excellent complement to a variety of majors. As a student, you will be exposed to one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Learn more.

German

Because Germany is one of the largest economies in the world, a foundation of German will open numerous career possibilities for you, both in the U.S. and abroad. Ball State’s minor in German is an excellent complement to a variety of majors. Learn more.

Japanese

As one of the top economic superpowers in the world, Japan plays a growing role in global business. Professionals who have a strong grasp of the Japanese language will be well prepared for success in a diversity of industries. Learn more.

Spanish

Spanish is one of the most common global languages. By 2025, nearly 25% of people in the U.S. will speak Spanish as a first or second language. Choosing a minor in Spanish from Ball State will complement your major and give you an advantage in a variety of professional fields. Learn more.