Return to: 3580 Department of World Languages and Cultures
The Department of World Languages and Cultures offers an interdisciplinary Master of Arts degree in World Languages and Applied Intercultural Studies and a dual BA/MA in the same subject. In the BA/MA program, students can take four graduate courses during their third and fourth years: these courses count toward both their BA and MA. They then complete the MA over one year after receiving their BA.
The M.A. in World Languages and Applied Intercultural Studies (WLAIS) is designed to develop students’ career-readiness through an innovative curriculum that emphasizes world language skills, intercultural competency, and global awareness. The program leverages the unique international resources at Georgia State University as well as the cultural and commercial vibrancy of the City of Atlanta and the State of Georgia. Graduates will be prepared to pursue careers in translation/interpretation, teaching abroad, entrepreneurship, corporate strategy/outreach, teaching in K-12 schools, artistic creation, activism and social work, among others. Having knowledge of another language and the cultural skills necessary to assist an employer in the era of globalization will give students an advantage in these fields.
Within the MA in WLAIS, students may choose from one of the three concentrations linked below: French and Francophone Studies, Spanish, and World Languages and Applied Cultural Studies, wherein they can also take advantage of language and cultural training in Arabic, Chinese, German, Japanese and Korean.
Each of these three concentrations has a thesis track and a non-thesis track. In each case, students take a total of 30 credit hours of coursework: in the thesis track, six of these hours are thesis research rather than regular courses. Courses pertinent to the degree may only be repeated if failed or if special topics vary.
The Department of World Languages & Cultures recognizes that an active command of world languages and a thorough exploration of related cultures form an essential basis for further study in the various areas of its curriculum. To this end, the department sponsors graduate exchange programs in several different destinations. Students enrolled in the WLAIC program are also provided with tailored career readiness opportunities through internships and other work collaborations within the vast and diverse cultural communities of the metropolitan Atlanta region.
Applicants may obtain additional information about the Department of World Languages & Cultures and the MA in World Languages and Applied Intercultural Studies by contacting the Director of Graduate Studies.
Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in those courses counting toward the MA degree. Only courses passed with a grade of B or higher will count toward the degree.
