Online Language Degree Programs

Whether you want to explore your linguistic roots or learn a new language, online liberal arts undergraduate and graduate degree programs in language can provide a rich, comprehensive education at your fingertips.

With the full deployment of the Internet, world boundaries in learning and business have leapfrogged across international borders. Professionals with extensive training in English or foreign languages find careers in finance, marketing, business development, government, education, health care, and more. The same Internet presence makes online language learning a flexible, convenient option for busy working people or those who have family commitments.

The Wide Range of Online Language Studies

Consider the breadth of choices in today's online language education. You can earn a bachelor's degree in social science, with an emphasis on English language arts, or a business degree in organizational management that focuses on career skill development incorporating communication and English studies.

If you're drawn to teaching, you can complete a Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in English as a Second Language (ESL). And for those who are pursuing a career in business, government, or publishing, there are online graduate certificates in translation, focusing on French, Chinese-Mandarin, Chinese-Cantonese, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Arabic, as well as Portuguese to English programs.

In turn, the full spectrum of foreign language programs is offered online. You can enroll in certificate in continuing studies in international languages for Arabic, Chinese-Cantonese, Chinese-Mandarin, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Ojibwe, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.

Job Opportunities for Language Graduates in Government

Public sector employers are traditionally always looking for and recruiting trained linguists. In government, you can work as a translator, in civil service, in the diplomatic corps, the Peace Corps, in customs or immigration agencies, intelligence communities, Homeland Security, the armed forces, or government journalism (Internet, print, and broadcast).

Translators can be employed by the government or as private contractors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that some 22 percent of all working translators are self employed. Some work as guides or translators for government staff or dignitaries traveling abroad or foreign representatives visiting the United States.

Language Graduates Working in Business

Private industry employers need linguists to work as translators, in sales, banking, consulting, imports/exports, manufacturing, labor relations, customer service, and engineering disciplines. Translators may be retained to prepare business records, sales briefs, technology user manuals, or legal documents. In health care, they are called on to assist with patients who do not speak English.

The travel and tourism industry also needs linguists for service at hotels, resorts, cruise lines, museums, convention centers, spas, airline operations, and restaurants. Some works as guides or escorts.

For those who want to pursue careers in the media, foreign language training can be beneficial for positions as reporters, publishing representatives, and advertising/public relations professionals. Language students who go into the ministry may find language arts programs essential in preparing them for overseas work.

From government to ministry, business to the service industries, armed with language training, you should be well-prepared to take advantage of a myriad of career opportunities.

• Liberal Arts & Humanities