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Modern Languages, BA - Teacher Education Option

Modern Languages Degree - Language Education

The demand for foreign language teachers is high and continues to grow every year. As communities become more culturally diverse, so too do our schools. Language education can be the path that sets you apart in the job market and secures your future as an educator. Look to the University of Central Missouri and our Modern Languages program to provide the training and experience you need to become a Spanish, French or German teacher.

Foreign language education for today’s educators

When earning your Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages, with a focus on Teacher Education, you’ll learn from award-winning educators who, like you, place a high value on language education. Through these tenured faculty or native speakers, you’ll learn the foundation of education and experience the art of teaching French, Spanish or German. You’ll graduate with a unique skill set that demonstrates critical thinking, flexibility in learning, great discipline and the ability to engage a diverse classroom.

A flexible degree in Modern Languages

To meet the various needs of our students, we offer full- and part-time schedules at our Warrensburg campus. You also have access to study abroad programs and online and hybrid classes to ensure your college experience meets your needs.

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100% job placement rate

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17:1 program student-faculty ratio

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French, German, Spanish teachers degree

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Native speakers among tenured faculty

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Extensive study abroad options

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Modern Languages Club for networking

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

 

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Take your degree further.

Once you’ve earned your Modern Languages degree and get a few years of teaching French, German or Spanish under your belt, you may consider master’s programs at UCM to advance your skills and career:

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Make yourself more marketable.

Think beyond your language education when choosing a minor, which will enhance your degree in Modern Languages and may open other doors for employment. Some options include:

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Explore programs related to modern languages.

A Modern Languages degree can extend beyond Teacher Education, especially when paired with a second major. Consider the following to expand your career prospects:

 

Modern Languages Study Abroad Opportunities

Spain

Spain

Modern Languages faculty lead an annual short-term study abroad program to Spain, which give students an opportunity to enhance their language skills and immerse themselves in the local culture. There is no better way to build on your classroom education!

 Contact the Spain Study Abroad Director

Germany

Germany

Ever year, Modern Languages faculty lead a group of students on a short-term study abroad program to Germany. Students get to explore exciting cities such as Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt and more, all while earning course credit!

Contact the Germany Study Abroad Director

Germany

Support Study Abroad Opportunities

Your generous support makes life-changing study abroad opportunities possible for Modern Languages students. Please consider donating to the Modern Languages Study Abroad Fund by clicking on the link below.

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.

 

 

Request Info   Visit   Apply Today!

 

 

 

 

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