Language Degrees and Communications Degree Programs

Study the Art and Science of Communication During a Language Degree Program

Mastering the fundamentals of effective communication can help prepare you for any professional career. The range of language and communications degrees offered at Grand Canyon University teach key theories and principles of communication so graduates can be proficient in the following domains:

  • Conflict resolution
  • Negotiation
  • Strategic communication for business and marketing
  • Creative and technical writing
  • Foreign language

7,200

New job openings projected each year, on average, for interpreters and translators from 2022 to 20321

15,500

Estimated new job openings each year for writers and authors from 2022 to 20322

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According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, 15,500 new jobs are estimated to open for writers and authors from 2022 to 2032.2

Earn your writing or communications degree online or on campus at GCU.

Speak Foreign Languages, Teach ESL or Develop Business Communications Skills

At GCU, we understand the importance of global partnerships and effective cross-cultural communication. Whether your aspirations include learning a foreign language, such as Spanish, becoming a professional interpreter, teaching English as a second language (ESL) or even leading a multinational company, you have the opportunity to develop many of the core competencies you will need by enrolling in one of GCU’s foreign language degree programs.


Choose GCU for Your Degree in TESOL, Foreign Language or Communications

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The various types of language degrees offered at GCU have one main commonality: they offer a diverse and culturally enriched curriculum focused on global awareness, perspective, ethics and leadership.

Gain knowledge in best communication practices with one of GCU’s bachelor’s in communications degrees. If you love writing and want to enhance your skills in creating effective and persuasive messaging, consider the bachelor’s in professional writing degree.

For those of you who are seeking to position yourself for potential advancement in your career field, GCU offers a master’s degree in TESOL as well as graduate degrees in communication, business administration and leadership.

Accredited and Respected Language Degrees

GCU offers accredited campus and online language degrees at undergraduate as well as graduate levels. When you become a GCU student, you can be sure that you’re receiving a quality education led by professors who are knowledgeable in their respective fields. GCU is proud to be institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968.

Online Language Degrees Provide Flexible Start Dates

GCU’s language and communications degrees offer scheduling flexibility so that even busy professionals can pursue higher education at their own convenience. Most bachelor's-level language degrees are offered on campus, online and in the evenings, so you can choose the modality that works best for your schedule.

For those pursuing graduate school, GCU’s online language degrees enable working professionals to pursue their education goals while balancing other responsibilities. If you prefer to attend classes on campus — but also require flexibility in your class schedule — consider GCU’s on-campus evening communications degrees.

GCU’s Commitment to Affordable Education

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When you attend GCU for your communications or language degree, you can be assured of our commitment to providing high-achieving students with access to affordable private education.

Financing your education is a big investment in your future, and we are here to help you plan for it with these convenient cost-estimating tools and resources:


Types of Language Degrees at GCU

GCU offers bachelor’s and master’s-level communications degrees as well as certificate programs for those looking to enhance their skills in specific fields or subjects. Take a look at the language programs available at GCU.

Bachelor’s Language Degrees

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Master’s Degrees in Language

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Communications and Language Certificates

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Prepare for Your Career With a Language Degree From GCU

Language degrees are versatile and, depending on your career goals, can be beneficial as either a primary degree or as a complementary minor or dual degree. If your passion involves professional writing, journalism, marketing, business leadership or foreign language, GCU is here to help you find your voice.

Graduates of language and communications degree programs can be prepared for a variety of career fields, including:

  • Business
  • Advertising
  • Public relations
  • Journalism
  • Government
  • Education
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On-Campus and Online Language Degree Programs FAQs

We encourage you to learn more about communications and language degrees and find the program that works best for you. Get started by reading our answers to these commonly asked questions.

Language degrees can take you into many different fields, so it is important to understand your career goals before choosing the best degree for you. If you want to teach English to non-native speakers, consider a degree in TESOL. If you are interested in being a professional translator, look at foreign language degrees. If you want to showcase your professional acumen in business settings, explore communications degrees with various emphases.

The majority of language degrees and communications degrees at GCU are available as online programs for your convenience. As an online student at GCU, you can be sure that you are receiving a quality education that is institutionally accredited by, and in compliance with, the rigorous standards of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

According to Universal Translation Services, Spanish, Mandarin and German are the most sought-after languages in U.S. translation job ads. They cite immigration and business technology communication as primary reasons for these specific languages.3

Spanish is an excellent option for those considering a foreign language degree, and the more you prepare, the easier it may be. If you were not raised in a Spanish-speaking home, you should start taking Spanish classes as early as possible before pursuing a Spanish degree. Earning a BA in Spanish requires a lot of reading, vocabulary exercises and memorization. You’ll be expected to also write and hold fluent conversations in Spanish, so it’s important to gain as much exposure to the language as possible.

Master’s in communications degrees are suitable for those seeking leadership positions, particularly in business. If a career in education is on your radar, earning an MA in Communication with an Emphasis in Education can help prepare you to teach at the college level.

A degree in TESOL can prepare graduates to pursue potential careers in public, private and charter schools. Depending on your credentials and experience, you may be able to apply for jobs in teaching, education consulting and program coordination.

Communications degrees teach foundational writing and language skills that can serve teachers well in their careers. To become a teacher with a communications degree, you will also need to acquire appropriate licensure and meet the academic requirements of the state you are working in.

Language degrees can open the doors to many careers in different fields. The fields that benefit from strong language and communication competencies include business, advertising, public relations, journalism, government, education and healthcare.

 

If seeking licensure or certification, applicants to the program are responsible for contacting their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval. In addition, fingerprint and background clearance is required.

1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Interpreters and Translators, retrieved on Nov. 7, 2023.

2 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Writers and Authors, retrieved on Nov. 7, 2023.

3 Universal Translation Services. (2023, October 6). Best paid languages on the planet. Retrieved on Nov. 7, 2023.

Grand Canyon University's online and evening programs offer the flexibility you need, providing a quality education to help you in today's complex world.

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