B.A. in World Languages and Cultures

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 110.

WES evaluation Required

UMass Lowell recognizes the importance of attracting and supporting talented international students, and as such, offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help offset the cost of education. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, leadership qualities, and other criteria to deserving international students pursuing undergraduate at the university.

Chancellor's Scholarship: The Chancellor's Scholarship is a prestigious merit-based scholarship offered to exceptional international students with outstanding academic records and leadership potential. Recipients of this scholarship receive substantial financial support to cover a significant portion of their tuition expenses.

Dean's Scholarship: The Dean's Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students based on their academic achievements and contributions to their communities. This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional potential in their chosen field of study.

International Student Merit Scholarship: The International Student Merit Scholarship is designed to support academically talented international students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate programs at UMass Lowell. The scholarship amount varies and is based on the student's academic performance and overall profile.

Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is awarded to international students who have demonstrated academic excellence and have a strong commitment to contributing positively to the UMass Lowell community. This scholarship recognizes students who embody the values of global citizenship and leadership.

UMass Lowell Merit Scholarships: Apart from specific scholarships for international students, UMass Lowell also offers a range of merit scholarships that international students may be eligible for. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and other criteria.

Donor-Funded Scholarships: UMass Lowell has various donor-funded scholarships that provide financial assistance to international students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships may be awarded based on the country of origin, academic achievements, or other specific criteria defined by the donors.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in World Languages and Cultures from UMass Lowell equips graduates with the linguistic and cultural skills necessary for a diverse range of career paths. This program prepares students to engage in various professional fields by leveraging their proficiency in multiple languages and their understanding of global cultures. 

Translator/Interpreter: Graduates can work as translators or interpreters, converting written or spoken material from one language to another. This role is essential in various settings, including legal, medical, and business contexts. Proficiency in multiple languages allows graduates to serve clients and organizations across different industries.

International Business Professional: With a strong grasp of foreign languages and cultural nuances, graduates are well-suited for roles in international business. They can work in positions such as international sales representatives, business development managers, or market analysts, helping companies expand into global markets and navigate cross-cultural transactions.

Foreign Service Officer: A B.A. in World Languages and Cultures can lead to a career in diplomacy as a foreign service officer. These professionals represent their country abroad, managing diplomatic relations, assisting in policy implementation, and addressing international issues. Language skills and cultural knowledge are crucial for effective communication and negotiation in this role.

Cultural Advisor/Consultant: Cultural advisors or consultants provide expertise on cultural practices and norms to businesses, organizations, and governmental agencies. They help clients understand and adapt to cultural differences, ensuring successful interactions and operations in diverse environments. This role often involves training, advising, and developing strategies to enhance cultural competency.

Education Professional: Graduates can pursue careers in education, such as language teachers or educational consultants. They may teach foreign languages at various educational levels or work with educational institutions to develop curricula and programs that promote cross-cultural understanding and language acquisition.

Tourism and Hospitality Specialist: The tourism and hospitality industry values multilingual professionals who can enhance the experience of international visitors. Roles in this sector include travel agents, tour guides, and hotel managers. Graduates use their language skills and cultural knowledge to provide exceptional service and manage diverse clientele.

International Development Worker: Graduates can work with international development organizations to address global issues such as poverty, education, and health. They may coordinate projects, conduct research, and engage with local communities to implement development initiatives. Language proficiency and cultural awareness are vital for effective collaboration and project success.

Global Marketing Specialist: In global marketing roles, graduates develop and execute marketing strategies for international markets. They analyze consumer behavior, create targeted campaigns, and adapt messaging to different cultures. Language skills and cultural insights help in tailoring marketing efforts to diverse audiences.

Nonprofit Organization Manager: Graduates can manage or work with nonprofit organizations focused on international causes or multicultural issues. They may oversee programs, fundraise, and collaborate with stakeholders to achieve organizational goals. Understanding cultural contexts and language capabilities enhance their effectiveness in these roles.

Research Analyst: Research analysts specializing in international and cultural studies analyze data related to global trends, market dynamics, and cross-cultural interactions. They provide insights and recommendations based on their findings, supporting decision-making processes for businesses, governments, and research institutions.

Publishing and Media Professional: Careers in publishing and media, such as editors, writers, or journalists, are available for graduates. They may work on translating and producing content for diverse audiences, creating culturally relevant media, and reporting on global events. Language proficiency and cultural awareness are key assets in these fields.

Government and Public Affairs Specialist: Graduates can work in government or public affairs roles, where they contribute to policy analysis, public relations, and communication strategies. Their language skills and cultural knowledge help in managing relations with international partners and addressing public concerns.

Human Resources Specialist: In human resources, graduates can focus on managing and supporting a diverse workforce. They handle recruitment, employee relations, and training, using their understanding of cultural differences to foster an inclusive and productive work environment.

Legal Assistant: Legal assistants or paralegals with language skills can support law firms or legal departments in handling cases involving international clients or documents. They assist with translation, documentation, and communication, ensuring accuracy and compliance in legal processes.