Combined Languages, B.A.
Overview
In a world where complex challenges—from climate change to public health to social justice—require collaboration across borders, multilingual professionals are essential.
Why study combined languages at Clark?
- Test your command of one of your chosen languages by completing two units of study abroad in a country where it is spoken, and take advantage of community-based learning opportunities in the Worcester area.
- Explore and critique how national languages have been used to build and promote cultural continuity and identity through texts, films, and documentaries.
- Build on your skills by taking higher-level language classes at other colleges within the Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts, or engage in directed studies with individual professors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a language degree?
A language degree from Clark opens doors in every direction — from global business to education, law, and social impact. Our graduates build meaningful careers that connect people, ideas, and cultures.
Common career paths for our alumni include:
- Interpretation and translation
- Teaching at the elementary, secondary, or university level
- International business, import/export, and corporate management
- Nonprofit and nongovernmental organization work
- Refugee/immigration services and humanitarian aid
- Government, law, and policymaking
- Writing, publishing, and media
- Study abroad and global education program management
Recent internship sites include:
BLDG Memphis • American Antiquarian Society • Ascentria Care Alliance • Preservation Worcester • Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester • African Radio Drama Association (Lagos, Nigeria)
Clark language graduates have continued their studies at:
American University • Harvard University • New York University • McGill University • Fordham University • Babson College • Emory University School of Law
And they’re working at organizations such as:
JPMorgan Chase & Co. • University of Pittsburgh • New England Medical Center • BrainPOP • U.S. Department of Defense • U.S. Consulate General, Jerusalem • Oracle
In short, a language degree prepares you to connect across cultures, think critically, and communicate clearly—skills that matter in every profession.
What skills will I learn as a combined languages major?
At Clark, language study goes beyond fluency. It’s about connection — with people, cultures, and ideas that expand how you think and communicate.
You’ll develop:
- Advanced communication skills in speaking, writing, and listening — not just in your chosen language but in English too.
- Cross-cultural understanding, learning to interpret ideas, traditions, and perspectives from multiple points of view.
- Analytical and critical thinking, through close reading, discussion, and research in diverse cultural contexts.
- Creative problem-solving as you adapt to new settings, decode meaning, and navigate real-world interactions.
- Interpersonal and intercultural competence, vital for diplomacy, global business, education, and social impact work.
- Digital and media literacy, as you analyze and create content in multiple languages and formats.
In short, language study strengthens both the human and professional skills that employers value most: curiosity, clarity, empathy, and adaptability.
What facilities are available?
Located in the Goddard Library, the Language Arts Resource Center is a multimedia language instruction center. With its extensive collection of computer programs, audio, and videotapes, students studying a new language can access multiple sources of learning. A satellite dish receives international news broadcasts from more than 25 countries though SCOLA, a nonprofit educational organization that receives and re-transmits foreign TV programming from around the world.
Is there an honors program for language majors?
During your junior year, you might be accepted into the combined languages honors program. Joining the program means you’ll work closely with a professor to create a thesis on a topic of your choice.
