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International Letters and Cultures ,BA

International Letters and Cultures, BA

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / International Letters and Cultures

Culture, International, Language, Languages, Transdisciplinary, foreign, letters

The study of diverse languages and cultures, and how they intersect in the past, present and the future, opens the door to a whole new world. As a globally informed citizen, you'll be in demand for a variety of careers and disciplines.

Program description

The BA in international letters and cultures is a degree program grounded in the advanced study of at least one foreign language.

The program is more transcultural and transdisciplinary than a traditional languages and literatures degree program and is designed to encourage students to explore and challenge the traditional boundaries of cultures, texts and disciplines. Students work closely with faculty and advisors to choose a program that combines study and research in a minimum of two cultures or disciplines, or in both.

Students must meet with an advisor in the School of International Letters and Cultures to discuss this degree option. It is not recommended for first-year students.

In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: Yes
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
    or any math course that meets the MATH designation
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities
Global experience

Studying abroad is the perfect transition from the classroom to real life. As students become scholars in language and multiple cultures and how they intertwine, study abroad programs immerse them in the language of their choice while taking courses on literature, history, sociology and more. Students can gain a deeper insight on how common languages and cultures develop in particular areas of the world by studying abroad.

Career opportunities

Knowledge of multiple languages and intercultural competencies enhance any occupation and offers graduates many career opportunities. Language-intensive careers include:

  • foreign correspondent
  • foreign media professional
  • foreign service officer
  • international banking and finance professional
  • language, literature or culture teacher
  • law and immigration professional
  • multilingual administrative professional
  • translator and interpreter
  • travel professional

Career fields and occupations using languages include:

  • advertising, marketing and communications
  • airline industry
  • film, television and multimedia
  • hospitality industry
  • hotel and resort management
  • international education and study abroad administration
  • international law
  • military
  • publishing
  • technology industries

Additional education and certification may be required for some career paths.

Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.


Career *Growth *Median salary
3.5%
$99,940
3.9%
$80,910
1.5%
$86,280
6.6%
$128,020
4.5%
$98,590
4.3%
$53,640
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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