The linguistic failings or disinterest of Americans is sometimes cited as a sign of general indifference toward other nations, to the point where the required study of foreign languages disappeared in many schools and colleges, or students were allowed to substitute computer languages for foreign languages. That's changing, partly to counteract the perception of U.S. indifference to the rest of the world. A second language is now widely regarded as a basic skill again, and most universities have language requirements. The real benefits are the new doors open to college graduates with language abilities. Majoring in a foreign language can provide a competitive edge to students seeking employment in such diverse fields as international relations, business, journalism, marketing, management, medicine, linguistics, finance, international law, politics or foreign affairs.
Foreign languages are helpful, and in many cases are required, for graduate study in the humanities.
Top master's programs in art history, for example, normally require a reading knowledge of two and in some cases three foreign languages. Students majoring in foreign languages who also have business or stenographic skills are in high demand, and experts predict the demand will increase dramatically as worldwide financial markets become more competitive with those in the United States. Students majoring in Spanish have greater marketability in Sun Belt states, the expanding West and other bilingual areas. Spanish also increases a student's chances of getting into medical school or law school in certain areas, such as Florida and Texas. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in French or Spanish, a Master of Arts degree in either language, a Master of Arts in language teaching of French or Spanish, and a PhD in either.