World Languages and Cultures
Who We Are
The Department of World Languages and Cultures (WLC) is a multi-disciplinary department that is home to five major programs (with minors) and two certificate programs. Our Majors include Deaf and Sign Language Studies (minor in ASL); Japanese; French Studies; Russian Studies; and Spanish and Heritage Spanish, including Applied Linguistics, Translation & Interpretation and Teaching Spanish specializations. We offer courses in Korean language and popular culture to support Korean Studies Minor within Asian Studies Program. We offer stand-alone certificates in Global Cultural Training and Spanish Translation & Interpretation.
Find below a summary of our department's educational practices and commitments. For a more personal touch, read the stories from our professors, students and alumni in the Spotlight section.
Students represent their programs during World Languages Day 2025. Photos courtesy of ASL Club.
Why World Languages and Cultures?
Learn what to expect in our programs and classes
What We Offer
Accessible Education
Our goal is to make public education accessible for all. No matter your background or personal circumstances we will support you in your learning journey. Take advantage of:
- Online and in person degree options for ASL, French, Russian and Spanish Majors and Minors;
- Online and in person delivery options for majority of our classes;
- Low cost or no cost textbooks and open source materials in all our programs;
- Common electives in all our programs to help with timely graduation.
Career Readiness
CWU graduates walk in the commencement ceremony.
We offer a comprehensive education to equip students with career-ready linguistic proficiency, critical thinking skills, communication skills, and cross-cultural fluency. You can expect:
- Emphasis on cultural competence and cross-cultural fluency: these are high in demand skills for today's multicultural workforce, especially in healthcare, social work, government, education, human resources, business, tech sector and beyond;
- Diverse study abroad options and immersive learning experiences: including virtual exchanges and community service learning;
- Professional experience through hands-on and experiential learning;
- Direct job experience through internships and student employment in Resource Centers and PALs tutoring services;
Best Education Practices
Japanese students practice shodō - calligraphy.
In our programs we offer many High Impact Practices that have positive impact to student success. We know every student in our programs, and support them from start to finish. Students benefit from:
- Small program classes with individual attention and mentoring by our professors;
- Best teaching practices with collaborative, experiential, and active learning;
- Peer learning and community building with Student Clubs and Language Resource Centers;
- Cultural programming and fun events for connection and community. Follow our News & Events page for updates on all the exciting things happening in the department;
- Community-centered learning: our programs provide unique hands-on opportunities to engage with local and global communities - check out individual program pages for more!
Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts Education
Mariachi certificate students perform on SURC patio for World Languages Day 2019.
Our programs offer interdisciplinary liberal arts education for the new generation of regional experts. To expand educational opportunities and breadth of study, students can take advantage of:
- Collaborations with other departments and programs to offer cross-listed courses and easy pathways to double major;
- Our professors' research strengths that provide solid foundation for interdisciplinary regional expertise and many course options, including: popular culture and globalization studies, food studies, cinema studies, linguistics and language education to name a few.
Querencia
Fall Open House 2024 for World Languages students and professors.
Our goal is to support our students through safe and nourishing learning environments that help them thrive. Querencia in Spanish means "beloved place" a place full of deep care for the other. A place of belonging. You belong in our classrooms and in our programs - we are here to help you engage the world!
CWU News
$4 million federal grant aimed at helping with school psychologist shortage
February 25, 2026 by Marketing and Communications
CWU Disability Services aims to provide equitable access to education
February 23, 2026 by Rune Torgersen
Contact
Black Hall
Second Floor, Office 206