Bachelor's Degree in Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures and Cultures

Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures and Cultures

Who is this program for?

The bachelor's degree program in Modern & Classical Languages, Literature & Cultures is ideal for students passionate about exploring diverse languages, literary traditions, and cultural histories. Our graduates gain skills in world languages, cultural analysis, and critical thinking, preparing them for careers as translators, cultural advisors, international educators, or specialists in intercultural communication across sectors like education, diplomacy, and international business. Our programs combine well as double majors or a dual degree in STEM + world languages to maximize opportunities for graduates in any career path.

Program Overview

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Cultures advances the study of languages and cultures around the world. Students develop their language proficiency while studying the art, culture, film, folklore, literature, music, mythology, religion and theater of the areas where the languages are spoken. In addition, the department provides service to the Commonwealth in language instruction and cultural awareness. We also train students in the fundamental language skills necessary to drive the AI language models of the future.

Students choose one of seven tracks in the MCL major: 

Related Careers

Students with advanced foreign language skills find work in government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), travel and tourism, International business, arts and entertainment and education. 

  • International business
  • International organizations
  • International law
  • Diplomatic corps
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Intercultural Communication
  • Foreign and public service
  • Tourism
  • Education
  • National Security
  • Publishing
  • Translation
  • Journalism
  • Intelligence and National Security
  • Military
Offered by the College of Arts and Sciences
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Credit Hours
120
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Credential
BA, BS
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Admission Requirements

  • Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
  • Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.

Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.

Application Requirements

Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).

Application Deadlines

Freshman

  • Early Action
    • 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
  • Regular Decision
    • 02/15/2026

Transfer

  • Fall Scholarship
    • 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
  • Fall
    • 08/01/2025
  • Spring
    • 11/15/2025
  • Summer
    • 04/15/2026
Calendars & Deadlines

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What You'll Learn

The bachelor's program in Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures and Cultures offers students the opportunity to explore multiple world languages and the cultures they represent. Students study language, literature, history, and cultural traditions across regions and time periods, gaining skills in communication, interpretation, and intercultural understanding. The curriculum emphasizes linguistic proficiency, critical thinking, and global awareness, allowing students to tailor their studies around a specific language concentration. Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan for the available concentrations and degree options.

Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.

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Transfer in using our KCTCS Pathway

This program has a degree pathway from KCTCS, allowing students a seamless transfer process to obtain their bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.

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Accelerated Pathway

This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a related master's degree, this program can save you time and money with dual credit hours when you sign up.

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These events are designed to answer your questions and give you a glimpse into what it’s like to be a part of our program.

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Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.

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Tuition Rate

For residents of the states listed below, this program qualifies you to receive the University of Kentucky's in-state tuition rate through the Academic Common Marketplace.

South Carolina

South Carolina

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Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.

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Things to do on this form:
Take away "Term" for Transfers - "Unknown Term"? As well as "Not in High School"
And the same for "Online"

Possibly remove the "Readmit" option.
Feel like it would be pretty easy to see if the person already exists in our system and has a program enrollment record associated with them, which would shift them from "Freshman" or "Transfer" to "Readmit"
Gatton College of Business and Economics
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