Foreign Languages

Program of Study

The Foreign Language program at Lock Haven University offers a B.A. with concentrations in either French or Spanish. A majority of our foreign language majors combine this major with other majors such as criminal justice, communication, elementary education, social work, international studies, and health sciences.  

The new foreign language major requires study in the country of the target language for a minimum of 6 weeks.  A semester long study abroad is encouraged.

The Committee for Economic Development reports that foreign language learning gives college graduates “some” or “a significant” competitive edge when they seek employment in the business world.  The report refers to a 2004 survey of graduates of one of America’s leading international business schools, Thunderbird – The Garvin School of International Management.  “For over 50 years, the Garvin School has required students to complete four semesters of a foreign language for graduation. Over 80 percent of the 2,500 graduates from 1970 to 2002 reported that foreign language skills gave them a competitive advantage in the workplace.  Even more important than language skills, however, was their understanding of other cultures. Nearly nine in 10 of the graduates said their knowledge of other cultures gave them “some” or “a significant” competitive edge. They said that this knowledge helped them understand the business environment in other countries, earned them respect and credibility with foreign business people, and enhanced their negotiation success.”

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A minor in French or Spanish consists of 18 credits of coursework in the language, at least 12 of which must be beyond Level four.