The World Languages Honors Program is designed for qualified, self-motivated world languages majors. Honors students are assigned a faculty mentor who will advise you as you complete and defend your honors thesis to an Honors Committee. Through the program you will become prepared for in-depth world language research and related graduate or professional opportunities.

Eligibility

Acceptance into the program requires the student to:

• be a World Languages major,
• have at least sophomore standing,
• have at least 6 hours of 300-level UAB world languages courses,
• have at least a 3.25 GPA in UAB world languages courses,
• have at least an overall 3.0 GPA, and
• have submitted a formal application for the World Languages Honors Program to the department chair or have been recommended to the program by a member of the department.

Requirements

We expect a lot from our honors students, but in return you will gain valuable skills and experience. Program requirements include:

• completion of required courses for the World Language major,
• submission of a formal project proposal to your faculty mentor and the department chair,
• agreement and acceptance of the proposal by your mentor and the chair,
• creation of an Honors Committee (members include your faculty mentor and two faculty consultants),
• registration for 3 credit hours of WLL 410: Undergraduate World Language Research,
• public defense of the research project,
• acceptance of the completed project by your Honors Committee, and
• submission of an archival copy of the completed project signed by the Honors Committee to the department.

Apply

Contact

For more information and/or admission to the World Languages Honors Program, please contact the department chair.

The Department of World Languages and Literatures is proud to offer the Global Seal of Biliteracy program for its students, as well as for people across UAB and the broader Birmingham community. 

The seal shows our commitment to fostering a globally competent and multilingual learning environment. We began offering it to students in 2020. Recently the program expanded to anyone in the UAB/Birmingham community.

Register for a Test Opens an external link.

This credential celebrates the achievements of students and professionals who show proficiency in English and another language. It opens doors to academic, professional, and personal opportunities in our interconnected world.

Here are some reasons why the Global Seal matters at UAB:

• Elevates Potential: It acknowledges the dedication and linguistic skills of our people in our community. It gives them a valuable credential, distinguishing them in a competitive job market and enhancing their academic pursuits.
• Enhances Global Engagement: Biliteracy fosters intercultural understanding and communication. It prepares our graduates to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world. By recognizing and supporting biliteracy, UAB strengthens its commitment to global engagement and attracts a diverse student body.
• Strengthens Employer Partnerships: Leading employers worldwide recognize the Global Seal. The program increases the marketability of our graduates and strengthens UAB's partnerships with multinational companies seeking multilingual talent.

Program Highlights

Questions?

Please reach out to Krista Chambless, PhD, (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if you have additional questions or want to learn more about the Global Seal.

Knowing another language and being able to understand different cultures are valuable skills — skills that you will gain if you study with us. We offer one major with four concentrations and six minors in several languages, and classes in even more. We will teach you not only how to communicate in another language but how to connect on a deeper level by looking at their arts, histories, and philosophies. Our goal is to help you think critically and communicate effectively in local, national, and global communities.

Enhance Your Future

Being able to speak a world language can help you in almost any career field. Whether you're interested in a future in medicine, government, education, business, social work, tourism and hospitality, or many other fields, the ability to communicate with others will give you an advantage.

Studying a world language leads to proficiency in reading, listening, writing, and speaking. At the same time, you gain knowledge of the literature, philosophy, history, and cultures of that language. If you are considering a double major, a second language can strengthen your studies in the other major.

Multilingualism has been linked to several cognitive benefits including better problem solving, improved critical thinking, and a higher aptitude for learning. Here is a TED Talk about the cognitive benefits of being bilingual opens a new website.

Why Study at UAB?

We are dedicated to helping you not just learn grammar rules but to fully understand the language you want to learn. We offer a full range of traditional language, culture, civilization, and literature classes. We also offer literature in translation, film and cultural studies, world media and society, US Latino topics, applied linguistics, and languages for the professions. You will be encouraged to study abroad, talk with your fellow students at conversation tables, participate in film clubs, cultural celebrations, and join one or more of our student groups. If you have any questions, please contact us. We look forward to having you here at UAB.

Degree Programs

We offer an undergraduate major in World Languages and Literatures with focus areas in multiple languages, as well as several minors, a certificate, and courses.