What you will study
First, decide if you want to be a French, Spanish or German teacher. From there, you’ll
develop language proficiency beyond the Elementary II level. At the same time, you’ll
take classes specific to language education for teachers, including the Methods of
Teaching Foreign Languages course, for a well-rounded degree in Modern Languages.
Finish out UCM’s foreign language education program with student teaching in a classroom
before you embark on your career as a French, Spanish or German teacher or continue
your own education in grad school.
Previous language experience for your degree in Modern Languages
If you already have previous foreign language experience, you may qualify to forgo
some elementary-level classes in UCM’s Modern Languages degree program. Placement
exams for French, German and Spanish are available. You may also qualify to receive
credit for some language courses if you hold the Seal of Biliteracy.
Excellence in Modern Languages
- With a history in education that dates back 150 years, the University of Central Missouri
is proud to offer a Modern Languages major that prepares students for successful careers
as high school German, French and Spanish teachers.
Unique learning opportunities in modern languages teacher education
As you prepare to teach Spanish, French or German to tomorrow’s leaders, hands-on
and real-world experiences are vital to your undergraduate Modern Languages degree.
The University of Central Missouri offers the following opportunities to enrich your
life and ultimately those of your students:
- Faculty mentorship: Before you start student teaching French, German or Spanish through UCM’s College
of Education, expect our full support. We’ll pair you with a faculty mentor who will
provide feedback through practice sessions, so that you are well prepared to step
into the classroom.
- Opportunities to study abroad: From two-week tours to full semesters, Teacher Education majors in Modern Languages
can immerse themselves in another culture and use their language skills. Scholarships
and grants are available as part of our study abroad program.
- UCM language labs: You don’t have to leave campus for an immersive learning experience. Converse with
our native and advanced speakers who staff our language labs to sharpen your skills
on the path to your Modern Languages degree.
- Modern Languages Club: Learning how other cultures live and celebrate is a vital part of language education.
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages can do so, while having
fun, when you join our Modern Languages Club.
- A film festival for middle and high school students: UCM hosts its annual for students in grades 6–12 to submit short films they’ve created in various languages.
We then invite them to campus for a viewing party, workshops and an awards ceremony
— a fun community event for future French, German or Spanish teachers.
What can you do with a Teaching degree in Modern Languages from UCM?
With a Modern Languages degree, our alumni get jobs at high schools across Missouri
for French, German and Spanish teachers. In fact, 100% of our Education graduates,
including Modern Languages majors, are employed after earning their bachelor’s degree.
Others may choose to double-major in International Studies. This could lead to a position
in international student affairs for a university. It could also take you overseas
for a global career in teaching English as a second language to Japanese students,
for example.
Understanding your opportunities with a Modern Languages degree
Your program coordinator and faculty mentors are available to answer any questions
you have. For details on a career in language education, including salary and job
outlooks, try using the interactive tool below.
Financial assistance options for your Modern Languages degree
An investment in a modern language bachelor’s degree is an investment in your future.
UCM helps you get the most value out of your Modern Languages degree by offering competitive
tuition rates that are lower than those of other four-year colleges nationwide. We
also offer a variety of resources for financing your education.
Search the UCM Scholarship Finder, and you’ll find a variety of scholarship opportunities especially for students in
the Modern Languages - Teacher Education major. These include:
- Kenneth A. Gordon Scholarship for future K–12 French or Spanish teachers
- Dalsy Deliens Brown Scholarship for a Spanish major or minor
- Elizabeth Callaway Scholarship for a junior or senior majoring in Spanish
- Sawyer-Stevenson Scholarship for International Experiences, available to assist with
study abroad experiences
Get Real-World Experience
UCM’s study abroad program
Use your language skills in a real-world setting when you take part in UCM’s study
abroad program. Each year, our faculty leads students to exciting destinations to
view the architecture, try the food and, above all, interact with native speakers.
Enjoy an experience of a lifetime and earn credits toward your Modern Languages degree
in the process.
See What Trips Are on the Horizon
Meet Shannon S.
BA Modern Languages - Teacher Education ’11
“The modern language education at UCM is amazing and has left a positive, lasting
impact on me both as an educator and as a person. I was lucky enough to have a variety
of instructors during my time who not only taught me two modern languages (German
and French) but also how to teach those same languages effectively to my own students.”
UCM’s Foreign Language Film Festival
Open to students in grades 6–12
UCM is proud to accept innovative works from nearby middle and high school students.
This is through our Foreign Language Film Festival, which allows them to submit short
films in various languages. We then come together to view their films, host workshops
and distribute awards, uniting us all through our love of languages and film.
Meet Your Program Coordinator
Modern Languages’ Dr. Kristy Boney
“Modern Languages never really stops looking for ways to innovate. With its streamlined
nature, combined with unique opportunities for pairing languages with professional
training, we offer something unique and vital for a 21st-century workplace.”
Learn More About Dr. Boney
Network With Fellow Language Students
Participate in the Modern Languages Club
Culture is more than just language and the best way to experience it all is with the
Modern Languages Club. Join us as we celebrate such cultural events as Day of the
Dead, Oktoberfest and Chinese New Year. Enhance your understanding of different cultures
— and have a lot of fun while you’re at it.
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Sawyer-Stevenson Scholarship for International Experiences Endowment
The International Studies and Modern Languages programs at UCM recently received a
permanent study abroad scholarship endowment from Dean Michael Sawyer and Dr. Joy
Stevenson, both of whom are committed to increasing student opportunities to study
abroad. This scholarship will enable full-time students to pursue their academic goals
in a foreign country and give them a chance to immerse themselves in a different culture.
Your own experience as a student who studied abroad makes you a valuable advocate
for the importance of international education. While this new scholarship will help
students in both programs to go abroad every year, we would like to increase the number
of students we can award annually and therefore ask if you are willing to make a gift
to increase the endowment and impact more students.
