Connect Across Cultures.
Turn your interest in languages and cultures into professional opportunities. USC Upstate’s Applied Languages and Global Studies major combines advanced language study, intercultural communication, and hands-on learning to prepare students for careers in an increasingly interconnected world.
Concentrations
- American Sign Language and Deaf Studies
- Global Studies
- Spanish for Global Careers
- Spanish Translation and Interpreting
In-person or online*
2-4 years**
120 credit hours
*The American Sign Language and Deaf Studies concentration is available in person only ** Time to completion depends on multiple factors.
High-Impact Learning That Goes Beyond the Classroom
Every student completes both an immersive language experience and a professional internship before graduation.
Why Study Applied Languages and Global Studies at USC Upstate?
Study on your schedule. Choose online or in-person learning options for most concentrations.
Learn by doing. Complete a required professional internship and immersive language experience before graduation.
Explore the world. Participate in study abroad opportunities in locations such as Spain, Germany, and France.
Make a local impact. Apply your skills through community projects, translation and interpreting experiences, and partnerships serving multilingual populations.
Explore local opportunities. Explore immersive cultural experiences close to home if international travel isn’t possible.
Learn from engaged faculty. Benefit from small classes, individualized mentoring, and connections to professional and community organizations.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue opportunities in fields including:
- Translation and interpreting
- International business and communications
- Healthcare and language access services
- Education and community organizations
- Government and public service
- International development and nonprofit organizations
Languages Are Career Skills
In today’s economy, multilingualism is more than a personal interest—it is a professional advantage. Employers across healthcare, business, education, government, nonprofit organizations, social services, and international industries increasingly seek graduates who can communicate effectively across languages and cultures. The ability to navigate linguistic and cultural differences has become an essential workforce skill in communities that are more globally connected than ever before.
Curriculum
120 Credits
The 120-credit Applied Languages and Global Studies degree combines language proficiency, intercultural communication, technology, and professional experience.
Students complete an 18-credit core that includes:
- Introduction to Applied Languages and Global Studies
- AI and Technology in Language Professions
- Advanced writing and communication
- Language immersion field experience
- Professional internship
- Capstone experience
Students also complete 21 credit hours in their selected concentration, developing specialized skills in language, culture, and global engagement.
View the academic catalog for degree requirements and a four-year roadmap for each concentration..
Graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in a target language in professional and intercultural contexts.
- Analyze and apply intercultural communication strategies in global and local workplace settings.
- Utilize language skills and technology (e.g., AI tools, translation software) in language-related professions.
- Develop and present a professional portfolio including internship experience, immersion reflections, and capstone project.
- Evaluate ethical considerations in cross-cultural and multilingual professional environments.
Next Steps for Admission.
First year in college
Students interested in majoring in Applied Languages and Global Studies must first be admitted to USC Upstate.
Admission Requirements
- 2.2 high school GPA
- Completed online application.
- Official high school transcript or GED equivalent
- Any required supporting documents
Transfer Students
If you’ve attended another college or university, you may be able to transfer previously earned credits toward your degree.
- Official college transcripts required
- Up to 90 transfer credits may be accepted from accredited institutions
International Students
International students are welcome to apply to any USC Upstate degree program.
English proficiency requirements include:
- TOEFL: 500 paper-based
- TOEFL: 173 computer-based
- TOEFL: 61 internet-based
Visit the International Admissions page for additional requirements and deadlines.
Need Help?
Our admissions team can guide you through every step of the process—from applying and submitting transcripts to scheduling a campus visit.
Program Faculty Spotlight
Professor Maria Francisco-Montesó
Professor Maria Francisco-Montesó serves as a leader of USC Upstate’s Spanish Translation and Interpreting concentration. A native of Spain, she holds degrees in Translation and Interpreting Studies, is a Certified Healthcare Interpreter, serves as Assistant Director of El Centro, and is currently completing a Ph.D. in Interpreting Studies.
Her work connects classroom learning directly to real-world needs in healthcare, education, legal services, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Through internships, community partnerships, service-learning projects, and professional conferences, she helps students develop the practical skills and cultural competence needed for successful careers.
Professor Francisco-Montesó explains, “Language learning is about more than vocabulary and grammar. It is about building connections, creating opportunities, and helping people communicate across cultures. Our students learn by doing—working with communities, solving real-world problems, and developing the skills that make a difference in people’s lives.”
