Many students enter the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS) with second-language skills already in hand. By continuing those studies through a double major, minor or certificate, students can deepen their learning, expand career opportunities and connect more fully with today’s increasingly global society.

For students with prior language experience, college offers more than just a continuation of high school studies. In the Department of World Languages and Cultures (WLC), students can advance their skills in ways that intersect with other majors, prepare them for international careers and broaden their understanding of the world.

This opportunity resonates with students like Kinley Burleson, a political science major planning to add Spanish as a second major. Burleson said she knew early on that continuing Spanish would be key to her future.

“I believe there isn’t a single occupation that wouldn’t benefit from the ability to communicate with more people,” she said.

Aspiring to work in law, Burleson sees language as a tool for service. “Knowing another language increases the number of people I can help,” she noted.

“Knowing another language increases the number of people I can help.”

Alexandra Marano, the director of undergraduate advising in WLC, said students like Burleson, who have prior language experience, hold an advantage. These students often have AP credits from high school, giving them a head start in pursuing a major, minor or certificate.

“AP credits usually cover a course or two, enabling students to begin at a higher college level,” Marano explained. “Placement tests also help students find their starting point, allowing them to build on a solid foundation.”

Beyond enhancing language skills, continuing language studies complements many academic pursuits. A language minor or certificate demonstrates cultural curiosity and competence while strengthening students’ ability to work across cultures.

“A major, minor, certificate or language classes show students’ interest in worlds and cultures beyond their own,” Marano said. “In our global society, learning a second or third language opens many doors.”

For Laura Yocum, double-majoring in social work and Spanish has shaped her college experience and career goals.

“I started as a Spanish minor and social work major, but I decided to double major because I see how the two complement each other,” said Yocum, who plans to work in immigration. “Having the extra credential will help me find a fulfilling career in social work.”

Language study also provides a blend of soft and hard skills essential in today’s workforce, such as interpersonal communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and adaptability. “Students learning a language must plan, monitor and adjust their strategies, helping them develop strong metacognitive awareness and self-management skills,” Marano added.

Outside the classroom, continuing language study deepens cultural understanding. Through study abroad programs and active cultural clubs, students experience traditions, cuisine and social customs firsthand, fostering engagement with diverse communities.

Yocum, who has studied Spanish since childhood, said that continuing her studies in college improved her conversational skills through clubs like Café Spanglish and opened doors to community involvement via VOLAR, NC State’s Spanish language service program.

“It has also broadened my cultural awareness and prepared me to engage with people respectfully, empathetically and effectively in today’s global world,” she remarked.

Marano sees language study as a way to build worlds and encourages students to start early. “Enroll in a language course during your first or second semester so you don’t lose what you’ve learned,” she advised.

Students starting a new language can gain proficiency, linguistic skills and cultural understanding, goals the certificate program supports, Marano explained.

At CHASS, language education goes beyond proficiency, preparing students to face global and social challenges.

“Complex global and social issues require empathy and nuance, and both qualities grow through language acquisition and cultural immersion,” Marano said. “You can’t solve the world’s problems unless you have dived into the world and have done your best to grow your knowledge and understanding of it.”