World Languages and Cultures at NIU
Bachelor of Arts
Grow your cultural understanding — and your career prospects.
Learning another language increases your critical thinking and communication skills, as well as your career potential. As technology and society evolve, the world becomes smaller and more connected. With your ability to navigate cultural differences and facilitate expansion into new markets, you'll be sought-after by employers.
I always loved math, and I fell in love with both literature and the Spanish language in high school. Rather than give one up, I combined all three passions into a very unconventional set of majors.
What Can I Do With a World Languages and Cultures Degree From NIU?
Our program prepares you to excel in a variety of roles. Our alumni begin careers all over the world in many industries. Your proficiency in multiple languages will give you an advantage over other applicants in an increasingly global job market.
Top skills reported by alumni:
- Customer service
- Leadership
- Project management
- Public speaking
- Research
- Sales
Top fields alumni work in:
- Education
- Finance
- Government
- Health care
- Information technology
- Manufacturing
Other Programs to Consider
Career Potential for NIU World Languages and Cultures Majors
Average mid-career salary:
$80,343
Top employers include:
- Abbvie
- American Reading Company
- Chicago Public Schools
- McDonald’s
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- Walgreens
Job titles include:
- Account executive
- CEO/international business development manager
- Consultant
- Human resources manager
- Teacher
- Translator/interpreter
Source: Steppingblocks, 2023
What to Expect as a World Languages and Cultures Major at NIU
Whether you study French, German or Spanish, you'll learn in an immersive environment. In addition to mentoring and research opportunities, you'll have access to translation software as well as books, periodicals and videos in a variety of languages. You can even live in our residence hall community dedicated to world languages.
How We’ll Help You Succeed
Apply for free and we’ll automatically consider you for a renewable merit scholarship.
Earn your bachelor’s degree fast with our affordable tuition and fees. Any credit hours you take over 12 are free (per semester).
Prepare to thrive after graduation with personalized support from Career Services.
With our truth-in-tuition policy, you’ll get the same fixed tuition rate for four continuous years, whether you live in Illinois or another state.
Apply to NIU
First-year Students
(Freshman)
High School GPA
3.0 or higher?
You're guaranteed general NIU admission.
ACT/SAT SCORES
Not considered.
We think your high school GPA is a better predictor of your success.
Transfer Students
ALL COLLEGES GPA
2.0 or higher?
You're guaranteed general NIU admission.
ALL COLLEGES GPA
3.0 or higher?
You're guaranteed a
renewable merit scholarship.