Study a Language at Ohio State

By studying a language at the College of Arts and Sciences, you’ll discover a new world of people, ideas and opportunities. Our language departments offer more than 30 languages — including Italian, Arabic and American Sign Language — with learning opportunities including majors, minors and work- or study-abroad programs.

It’s never too late to start learning or build on what you know. If you took a high school language class or have practiced on language learning apps for months, you have already begun to create a foundation for further study.

Expand Your World

Dani Blumenfield standing with German Club members who are holding donation baskets

Dani Blumenfeld, a marketing student in the Fisher College of Business who is minoring in German, took over as co-president of the German Club, which enhanced her college experience and helps her connect with her heritage.


Katie Kiesel in South Korea

Katie Kiesel, a Korean and international studies double-major, spent her summer studying abroad in South Korea, where she immersed herself in Korean culture and honed her language skills.


Ross Guthery

Influenced by his love of Francophone culture and knack for analytics, Ross Guthery combined majors in French and economics to forge his own educational journey, and he is now a U.S. Fulbright student pursuing a master’s in data science at the ESSEC Business School in Paris.


Elena Foulis with members of the Latinx community

Elena Foulis, a senior lecturer in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, fosters meaningful connections between central Ohio’s Latinx community and students like social work student Stefania Torres-Grisales, whose experience with Foulis has inspired her to continue serving her community.

Hear from our language students

Students talk about the importance of studying a language and how it allows them expand their worldview, explore new career options, make connections on campus and abroad, and engage in enriching experiences.

Prepare for a modern career

Speaking more than one language has become an essential skill in our increasingly interconnected world. At the College of Arts and Sciences, enhance your learning experience and unlock a world of possibilities by pairing your field of study with a language. A strong background in language and culture can complement a career in everything from visual and performing arts to social and behavioral sciences to natural and mathematical sciences.

World language graduates land job opportunities across a broad spectrum of industries:

Business, industry and commerce | Education | Law | Science, technology, engineering, mathematics| Social services | Travel | Government | Media​