Bachelor of Science in Global Economics and Modern Languages

In partnership with the School of Modern Languages, the School of Economics offers a Bachelor of Science in Global Economics and Modern Languages with language concentrations in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, or Spanish. Global Economics and Modern Language graduates are especially attractive to employers with long-term interests outside the United States who demand employees prepared to successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by global, economically interdependent, multilingual, and multicultural environments.  Through a variety of coursework and the opportunity to spend a semester abroad, students have in-depth knowledge not only of their own cultures but also have the capacity to function effectively in a second culture.  Coursework focuses on rigorous training in economics combined with extensive foreign language study. Students are expected to develop advanced communication skills and professional competency in the language of choice through courses and extracurricular opportunities that focus on current issues, classic literature, business applications, and cross-cultural perspectives.

International Plan

The degree requirements for the Global Economics and Modern Languages (Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Spanish)-International Plan are basically the same as for the GEML degree, except that students are required to spend two terms abroad and then achieve Intermediate High (for Chinese, Japanese or Russian: Intermediate Low) on the standardized ACTFL testing scale during an oral interview. The costs of the test will be paid for by the School of Modern Languages for each student. The terms abroad may typically consist of one semester of study plus a significant amount of time spent with a research or work project abroad. Students may also opt for a second semester. GEML-IP majors are also strongly encouraged to enroll in the LBAT intensive summer programs offered by the School of Modern Languages.

In addition to gaining advanced global competence, the International Plan designation will set you apart from other applicants with recruiters from top companies and governmental agencies.

Other Required Courses include the following, and these can easily be obtained within the regular required curriculum offerings of ECON and Modern Languages. These requirements can also be met with courses taken abroad, upon consultation with ECON degree advisors.

  1. At least one course focused on international relations historically and theoretically, including topics such as
    1. the role of state sovereignty and nationalism and non-state actors in the international system;
    2. international conflict, peace, security, intervention, and nation-building;
    3. international organizations, law, and ethics;
    4. transnational problems of the environment, terrorism, health, and migration;
    5. among other issues (see INTA courses).
  2. At least one course that provides a historical and theoretical understanding of the global economy, including topics such as
    1. international trade, finance, investment, and production;
    2. regional economic integration (such as the EU);
    3. economic development and modernization; and
    4. questions of natural resource sustainability.
  3. At least one course that provides familiarity with an area of the world or a country that allows them to make systematic comparisons with their own society and culture. This course could come from various disciplinary perspectives, including history, public policy, philosophy, international affairs, literature, economics, management, architecture, among others. Upper division Modern Language course will count here.
  4. A culminating course, occurring either at the end of or after the international experience that integrates knowledge of the discipline and the international experience in a global context.