Thousands of K-State students have recognized the value of pairing a degree in agriculture, engineering, architecture, physics, journalism and many other fields with a second language to enhance their career plans . Students in Modern Languages may become teachers, translators, interpreters, or language consultants. But many graduates also pursue careers in travel and tourism, computer and software services, project management at a variety of national and international companies, advertising and marketing, social and health services, or legal fields, as well as many positions in the State Department and other areas of government and diplomacy. For more information about possible careers for Modern Languages students, please visit the Career Center , and check the salary offers for K-Staters in Arts & Sciences .

Knowing a language also makes you a stronger candidate for many prestigious scholarships.

We strongly encourage our students to study abroad. Our faculty offer regular short faculty-led programs to Germany, Mexico or Spain, and are planning to develop more. The Office of International Programs also offer a great variety of programs ranging from a week to a semester or academic year, some include community service program, or homestays with host families. Whichever program you choose, one of our faculty will go over how credit earned abroad will transfer back to K-State and apply to your minor or major. There are abundant scholarships available for studying abroad. Pursuing studies overseas can be an enriching experience, adding excitement and setting you apart in the competitive job market.

When scheduling your campus visit, ask the Admissions Office to visit a language course, or contact Modern Languages (modlang@ksu.edu).

Native or near-native speakers of a language other than English may be granted a waiver of the International Overlay (Level 4 foreign language) requirement for any B.A. in Arts and Sciences. Students seeking a waiver must submit official documentation (e.g., a high school diploma, secondary school transcript, or college/university transcript) demonstrating that they attended an institution where English was not the primary language of instruction and/or that they took subject matter courses in a language other than English.

Please note that a language waiver satisfies the requirement but does not award academic credit. Students who receive a waiver must complete other coursework to reach the 120 credit hours required for graduation. For this reason, continuing language study is often the more beneficial option, as advanced language courses can simultaneously fulfill degree requirements, contribute credit hours toward graduation, and enhance academic and professional preparation.

Building on your language background through advanced coursework can strengthen your primary degree while helping you satisfy other graduation requirements. These courses may contribute to an outside concentration, fulfill the Global Perspective Overlay, provide opportunities for retroactive credit, satisfy the U.S. Multicultural Overlay, and, in some cases, count toward a language minor. In many cases, they can also complement your major while efficiently meeting multiple degree requirements, as seen below.

• Three 300-level or above language courses can fulfill the outside concentration requirement.
• Courses at the 300 level and above satisfy the Global Perspective Overlay.
• Earning a C or higher in a language course may qualify you for retroactive credit, potentially awarding credit for lower-level language courses and contributing additional hours toward graduation, K-State Core credits, depending on placement.
• Some language courses may fulfill the U.S. Multicultural Overlay.

To determine your eligibility for a waiver, please contact modlang@ksu.edu and include:

• documentation verifying that you attended an institution (high school or equivalent, college/university) where English was not the primary language of instruction
• and/or that you took subject matter courses in a language other than English.