Modern Languages · California

Modern Languages colleges in California

CampusPin lists 304 U.S. colleges in California that offer Modern Languages programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.

Modern Languages builds advanced proficiency in one or more languages along with the literature, culture, and translation skills to use them in professional and international settings.

Schools in California that offer Modern Languages

Modern Languages programs in California: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 50 schools (of 304 total) listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

304

Public / private

20 / 30

Universities / 2-year

38 / 12

Cities represented

36

In-state tuition range

$1,104–$57,946

Median in-state tuition

$15,195

Lowest published in-state tuition

Barstow Community College

$1,104

Most selective

California Institute of the Arts

26% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

California State University-Fullerton

41,793 students

Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.

What you'll study in a Modern Languages program

  • Advanced speaking, listening, reading, and writing in the target language
  • Grammar, composition, and conversation at a professional level
  • Literature and cultural studies of the language's communities
  • Foundations of translation and interpretation
  • Study abroad or an immersion experience
  • Cultural and historical context and intercultural communication
  • Specialized vocabulary for a chosen field
  • Optional second language and comparative study

Where a Modern Languages degree can lead

  • Translator or Interpreter
  • Foreign Language Teacher
  • International Business or Trade Specialist
  • Foreign Service or Government Roles
  • Localization Specialist
  • Bilingual Community or Customer Liaison

Typical pay: Early-career wages vary by language, specialization, and employer (BLS, 2024 interpreters and translators median $59,440).

A Modern Languages major, classified federally as Foreign Languages and Literatures, General, develops the ability to understand, speak, read, and write one or more languages at a high level, together with the literature, history, and culture of the communities that use them. Where Linguistics studies the scientific structure of language in general, this major is about gaining real command of specific languages and the cultural fluency to use them well. Programs combine intensive language coursework with literature and culture study, and many include or require a term abroad or another immersion experience. Students usually concentrate on one primary language, often Spanish, French, Mandarin, Arabic, German, or Japanese, and may add a second.

Strong language skills open work in translation and interpretation, international business and trade, government and foreign service, education, travel and hospitality, and nonprofit and global organizations. The skills are frequently paired with another major, such as international relations, business, or a health field, where bilingual ability is an advantage. Because demand varies by language, region, and specialization, legal, medical, or technical translation for example, it helps to build a subject area alongside the language and to document proficiency through recognized assessments. Time spent living and studying where the language is spoken is often what moves a student from coursework fluency to professional fluency.

In federal data for the closely related occupation of interpreters and translators, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2024 median wage of $59,440 and projects employment to grow about 1.7% from 2024 to 2034; a bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for that occupation. National figures are occupation-wide medians across all experience levels, not starting wages or graduate outcomes.

Modern Languages in other states

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Find more Modern Languages schools

Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 304+ Modern Languages programs in California by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

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