Majors and Minors
Whether you're interested in a major or minor in Foreign Languages, a major in International Business & Cultures or a minor in International Studies, you'll find all the information you need below. We also encourage you to email us at languages@tntech.edu to schedule an appointment to discuss your options.
Find the program for you:
B.A. in French, German or Spanish »
B.S. in International Business and Culture »
Minors in French, German, Spanish, or International Studies »
English-language culture courses for the Humanities/Fine Arts Requirement »
B.A. in French, German, or Spanish
Option 1
Option 1 is the curriculum to follow to earn a "pure" Foreign Languages degree. This is the option you will choose if Foreign Languages is your primary major and main focus. You would also select this option if you want Foreign Languages as a secondary major and your primary major is not in a STEM discipline. Most of our majors fall under the Option 1 curriculum.
Students in Option 1 whose goal is to teach French, German and/or Spanish may choose to work toward teaching licensure while earning the B.A. in Foreign Languages. FL Option 1 is conducive to this, since there are quite a few electives built in to the curriculum.
If you love languages and don't plan to teach or use the language in other direct ways such as translating or interpreting, there are several other options for pursuing the study of a second language.
Option 1 consists of:
- 30 hours in language starting at 1020
- 41 hours of general education
- 6 hours of other requirements
- 43 hours of electives
Option 2
Option 2 is available to students who concurrently major in engineering or manufacturing technology, computer science, mathematics, or the physical or biological sciences. With additional coursework, students from these disciplines can earn a B.A. degree in a foreign language in addition to their B.S. degree in one of these specific fields. This modified curriculum prepares students for the increasingly international dimensions of their professions.
Of course, a comprehensive, two-degree program requires at least two additional semesters, but knowing another language and having two degrees can definitely give you an edge in the job market!
To add Foreign Languages as a secondary major or to change your primary major, come to the Department of Foreign Languages Office in Oakley Hall 227, or send an email to languages@tntech.edu.
B.S. in International Business and Culture
The International Business and Cultures degree, initiated in 1998, is a unique program offering a joint Bachelor’s of Science degree in the College of Arts & Sciences and the College of Business. The mission of this four-year program is to prepare our students for careers in international business. The program’s goal is to educate students in the study of human interaction and commerce. The curriculum emphasizes a strong foreign language component along with courses in world civilizations, international finance, economics, management, and marketing. Students participate in either an internship or a study-abroad program. For more information, check out the International Business and Cultures page.
Option 1
Designed for students from the United States, Option 1 consists of:
- 21 hours in language (1010-3020/3200)
- Language proficiency + marketing / finance / economics / management
Option 2
Designed for international students, Option 2 emphasizes U.S. culture instead of language.
Minors in French, German, Spanish, or International Studies
Minor in French, German, or Spanish
In order to complete a minor in French, German, or Spanish, students must complete courses up to 3010 and 3020 (or equivalent), including: 1010, 1020, 2010, 2020, 3010 and 3020 (or equivalent).
If you start in 1010, this will give you 18 credit hours. If you place into a higher level, you will need to complete at least 15 credit hours of study in the same language to complete a minor, including SPAN 3010 and 3020. For more information, contact the Department of Foreign Languages.
Minor in International Studies
If you are interested in complementing your major with an international perspective, a minor in International Studies (INST) may be for you. This minor will help you to meet growing demands in a world that increasingly requires more internationally focused graduates and employees. Get transfer credit for language or culture courses that we don't regularly offer!
The International Studies minor requires a total of 15 credit hours of courses (9 credit hours lower-division and 6 credit hours upper-division) chosen from the lists found at the links below. Many students choose to take one or more of these courses while studying abroad. For more information about these minors, contact the Department of Foreign Languages.
Lower-Division Courses toward INST Minor »
Upper-Division Courses toward INST Minor »
English-Language Humanities/Fine Arts Requirements
The following courses satisfy the English-language culture courses for the Humanities/Fine Arts requirement, many of which are offered online each semester:
- FREN 2510: French Culture and Civilization
- FLST 2510: Cultures and Peoples of North Africa
- GERM 2520: German Culture and Civilization
- SPAN 2510: Spanish Culture and Civilization
- SPAN 2550: Latin American Cultures and Civilizations
