Undergraduate Admission

Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics

Home of the culturally minded and curiously adventurous.

Citizen artist Vanessa German performing at the Blackness, Citizenship and the Arts symposium.
"I think the most unique thing about Carnegie Mellon is the incredible diversity of interests and concentrations. CMU really wants everyone, faculty and students, to go boldly in their direction of their interests. "
Robert '23

Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics

If learning another language is something that speaks to you, the Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics at Carnegie Mellon is your kind of place. Here, you’ll find enriching coursework and immersive experiences that foster a deeper appreciation for — and a better understanding of — a world far beyond your own. With our exceptionally skilled faculty, technology-rich curriculum and opportunities to study abroad, you’ll become not just fluent in your chosen language, but also confident in your ability to thrive in an increasingly borderless world.  

Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics Majors and Minors

Choose the path that fits you best. Browse all current Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics curriculums and courses.

Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics

Bachelor of Arts
Minor

The majors offered by the Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics allow you to become proficient communicating in your chosen language of specialization. Courses in culture and civilization integrate the study of cultures with skill development in reading, writing, and aural/oral communication. You’ll also develop a perspective on the learning and use of second languages within contemporary American society and in an increasingly global community. Language majors are also encouraged to take courses in other disciplines such as fine arts, history, psychology, philosophy and other humanities and social sciences.

Each of the department’s majors contains courses in three connected tracks, so you can gain both proficiency and understanding of the culture you’re studying. Major options in the department include:

  • Chinese Studies
  • French and Francophone Studies
  • German Studies
  • Hispanic Studies
  • Japanese Studies
  • Russian Studies

A minor in the Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics provides you with an enriching complement to your major areas of study and an asset to work in a variety of fields, including government, entrepreneurship and business, law, technology, engineering, media, public health, health professions, non-profit, entertainment, creative arts and education. 

Additional Minor Options
  • Applied Multilingual Studies
  • Arabic Studies

Contact

Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics

341 Posner Hall
Carnegie Mellon University
5000 Forbes Avenue 
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
 
 

Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics Website

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High School Course Requirements

4 years English
3 years Mathematics**
1 year Science (2 or more preferred)
2 years Foreign Language
6 electives
 

**Three years of mathematics should include at least algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, elementary functions as well as pre-calculus. Advanced mathematics courses are encouraged.

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