The Department of Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Cultures program advances the study of languages and cultures around the world. Students develop advanced proficiency in Arabic, Chinese, Classical Greek, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, and/or Russian while studying the art, culture, film, folklore, literature, music, mythology, religion and theatre of the areas where these languages are spoken. In addition, the department provides service to the Commonwealth in language instruction and cultural awareness. Students choose one of seven tracks in the MCL major: Arabic and Islamic Studies, Chinese Studies, Classics, French and Francophone Studies, German Studies, Japan Studies, and Russian Studies.
Students with advanced foreign language skills find work in government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), travel and tourism, International business, arts and entertainment and education.
Career opportunities in Modern and Classical languages
The Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures and Cultures major serves to advance the understanding and appreciation of language and cultural study domestically and abroad. Majors choose one of seven tracks: Arabic and Islamic studies; Chinese studies; classics; French and Francophone studies; German studies; Japan studies; and Russian studies.
Any student earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree must complete a minimum of 39 hours at the 300+ level. These hours are generally completed by the major requirements. However, keep this hour requirement in mind as you choose your course work for the requirements in the major. Students interested in earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree must complete a minimum of 60 hours in biological, physical, mathematical and/or computer sciences. See the complete description of College requirements for a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Sciences degrees in the Arts and Sciences section of the 2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin.
Total Credit Hours - 30
MCL Core Requirements
MCL Track Requirements
Total Hours - 42
Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another language.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$57,090
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
68,700
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
3,000
new jobs (average)
Interpreters and translators work in settings such as schools, hospitals, courtrooms, meeting rooms, and conference centers. Part-time work is common, and work schedules may vary.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreUnderstanding that over 70 percent of university students will change their declared major at least once during their college careers, the College of Arts and Sciences has developed an Exploratory Studies program for students who have yet to decide the specific field of study that most closely aligns both their personal interests and their professional career goals and objectives. The Exploratory Studies Program provides students with an extraordinarily diverse educational environment that includes coursework spanning Math and Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences and provides students with the unique opportunity to explore multiple areas of interest during their first several semesters on campus. For more information please contact a recruiting representative at asrecruting@uky.edu.
College of Arts & Sciences
Patterson Office Tower 202