School of International Studies

Double Majors

Many SIS students complete double majors. 

In fact, on average close to fifty percent of our seniors double major in a language. It is also possible to double major in economics, political science, music, education or business.

Making sure you keep in close contact with your advisor is very important if you want to undertake a double major.

Language Double Majors

Majoring or minoring in a language is a perfect complement to an International Studies degree.  Not only is a high level of proficiency integral to understanding and effectively functioning in another culture,  but a recent survey of major corporate employers revealed that foreign language competency is the skill area most lacking in the current job market pool.  No doubt these employers are more convinced of your skills if you have a language major or minor combined with your primary degree. 

The U.S. Foreign Service estimates that fluency levels required for professional competency in romance languages are achieved by approximately 450 contact hours, which is approximately the equivalent of a language major (non-western languages run somewhat higher). 

SIS students are well-positioned to do a major or minor for the following reasons:

• Minor: with your two-year SIS language requirement you have already met two of the six course requirements for the minor; one (or more upon petition) appropriate study abroad courses may count as well
• Major: two (or more upon petition) appropriate study abroad courses count toward the major
  
  

Available Languages

The Department of Modern Language and Literature (MLL) offers the following languages at levels indicated.

(Course content includes culture, literature, film, history, civilization, and the language of business.)

Please note: In addition to requirements listed below, students must take the MLL capstone (2 units) course in their senior year.

Asian Language and Studies major:  3 years (6 semesters) of Chinese or Japanese plus 4 courses (16 units) in History, Film, Literature, Political Science, or Religious Studies.  Students are required to study one semester or one summer in a target language country.  Minor-Chinese Studies or Japanese (6 courses beginning 1st year—4 language courses and 2 electives from the major courses).

French:  minor (6 courses beginning with first year: 11a, 11b, 23, 25. and 2 advanced courses ) and major (2 tracks:  French (6 advanced) and French Studies(5 advanced, 3 in other related fields): 

Russian:  minor and self-designed major.

Spanish: minor (20 units beyond SPAN 23) and major (26 units). 

Students may also opt to do a double degree, receiving a College of the Pacific BA as well.  In order to do this, you must complete 32 additional units in The College.

For general information, contact Professor Katie Golsan, Chair, Modern Language and Literature.  946-2449 or kgolsan@pacific.edu.