Engage a Global Society With Confidence
Today’s graduates must thrive in a global society where cultures, languages, and beliefs intersect. The world languages and cultural studies programs offered by the Department of English, Literature, and Modern Languages equip you to communicate effectively, think critically, and serve faithfully — whether in your own community or on the other side of the world.
As one of the few Christian universities offering such a broad range of world languages and cultural studies programs, Cedarville integrates biblical truth with language and cultural understanding, preparing you for ministry, missions, education, government, or international business.
Why Study World Languages and Cultural Studies at Cedarville?
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Faith-centered perspective
Explore language and culture through a biblical lens.
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Flexible programs
Complete your degree on campus or enhance your studies through study abroad.
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Personalized mentoring
Learn from faculty who are passionate about language, literature, and faith.
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Career-ready preparation
Complement majors like international studies, missions, history, political science, and communication.
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Global opportunities
Spend a semester or summer abroad in diverse cultural contexts.
Majors
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Spanish
Explore the Spanish Major- Develop fluency in the Spanish language and literature.
- Learn from expert faculty and engage with Hispanic culture.
- Study abroad options in Spain, Costa Rica, and Latin America.
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Linguistics
Explore the Linguistics Major- Study the science of language and communication.
- Prepare for graduate study or careers in TESOL, translation, and Bible translation.
- Pair with a TESOL minor or world studies minor for added focus.
Minors
NOTE: At least one-third of a minor must be completed at Cedarville.
Asian Studies
20 credit hours
Courses include elementary Chinese and Korean, contemporary East Asian literature, and history and politics of East Asia.
British Studies
18 credit hours
Courses include British history, politics, and literature — including Shakespeare, Milton, and contemporary authors to develop a rich appreciation for British culture and its influence on Western thought, art, and society.
French
19 credit hours
Courses include elementary and intermediate French language study, French culture and civilization, and upper-level electives designed to strengthen oral proficiency and cultural understanding.
Latin American Studies
22 credit hours
Courses include intermediate Spanish, Latin American history and politics, cultural anthropology, and upper-level Spanish electives. Students examine the diverse cultures of Latin America and their impact on global history and modern society.
Linguistics
18 credit hours
Courses include introduction to linguistics, phonetics, morphology and syntax, and language and culture, exploring how language functions as a system of communication and analyzing its structure from a biblical worldview.
Middle Eastern Studies
22 credit hours
Courses include Arabic language study, history and politics of the Middle East, and cultural anthropology.
Spanish
18 credit hours
Courses include elementary and intermediate Spanish, Hispanic culture and civilization, and upper-level Spanish electives to develop language proficiency and cultural competence.
Spanish for Healthcare Personnel
18 credit hours
Courses include elementary and intermediate Spanish, Spanish for healthcare personnel, and cultural competency training. Students learn terminology and conversational skills needed to communicate effectively in medical and health-related contexts.
Spanish for Professionals
18 credit hours
Courses include elementary and intermediate Spanish, Spanish for professionals, and culture-focused electives preparing students to apply Spanish language skills in business, ministry, or other professional settings.
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
18 credit hours
Courses include introduction to linguistics, language teaching methods, second language acquisition, and TESOL practicum experiences. Students gain theoretical and practical preparation to teach English in diverse cross-cultural environments.
Western European Studies
22 credit hours
Courses include intermediate French or Spanish, history and politics of Western Europe, cultural anthropology, and upper-level language electives.
Real-World Outcomes
Graduates with a degree from one of the world languages and cultural studies programs at Cedarville University are prepared to:
- Serve in global missions and ministry.
- Work in government, diplomacy, or international NGOs.
- Teach and communicate across cultures.
- Enter careers in international business and trade.
- Pursue graduate studies in linguistics, international relations, theology, or cultural studies.
Learn more about global opportunities through Cedarville’s global studies and ministry programs.
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The ELML department has been a major force in forming my critical thinking skills. Professors in this department encourage students to reach beyond their current worldview, resulting in better understanding of current events in light of timeless literature. This department thoroughly prepared me for success during my internship in Washington, D.C., where companies sought after high-level readers and critical thinkers to improve their overall quality and professionalism.
Julia Schultz ’21, Department of English, Literature, and Modern Languages 
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Studying abroad at Oxford was a wonderful opportunity to meet people with drastically different backgrounds than myself, both in the academic realm and in the Church. While I love Cedarville, being away for a semester widened my perspective and gave me a greater appreciation for the personal and spiritual care found at this university. I imagine I will carry lessons learned from this experience for the rest of my life, whether it be information I learned from my professors or my go-with-the-flow, spontaneous travel.
Reese Couture '26, Study Abroad in Oxford 
Study Abroad Opportunities
Broaden your perspective and grow in your faith with study abroad opportunities through Cedarville. Experience life and learning in another country as you develop your language proficiency, expand your cultural understanding, and strengthen your global awareness. These experiences will prepare you to serve others with excellence and purpose in an increasingly connected world.
EXPLORE STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIESFAQs
How can studying world languages and cultures prepare me for my career?
These majors and minors equip you with language skills, cultural understanding, and global awareness — valuable for careers in missions, education, government, business, and nonprofit work.
Does Cedarville University offer Christian study abroad programs?
Which modern languages can I study at Cedarville?
Depending on your program, you may study Arabic, Chinese, French, Korean, or Spanish.
Can I pair a world languages and cultural studies minor with any major?
Yes! These minors are designed to complement degrees like international studies, missions, political science, communication, history, and more.
Take the Next Step
Prepare for a life of global impact through one of Cedarville’s world languages and cultural studies programs.