A student may elect courses from the Modern Languages and Literatures Department as part of her liberal education, or she may select a modern language as her major with some career objective in mind. A major in French or Spanish, when combined with a major in the humanities, social sciences, or management, will prepare a student for careers in government service in the United States and abroad, employment as a translator for publishers or international agencies, technical positions with international business firms, or graduate study.
Language study is of particular interest to international relations majors.
If a student wishes to teach modern languages in secondary schools, she may combine the major in French or Spanish with the appropriate major in education. Because the opportunities are so diverse, the department strongly recommends that a student interested in international management consult with the members of the Modern Languages and Literatures and Management departments. A student who wishes to study or work abroad must achieve competence in all basic language skills. A student planning further study in graduate school needs to acquire reading proficiency in one or more languages to fulfill the requirements of many graduate programs. Placement of a student who has not studied modern languages at Simmons College is determined on the basis of tests given by the department.