Department of Sociology, TESOL, and Modern Languages

Study and Serve the World and Its Diverse Populations

The Department of Sociology, TESOL, and Modern Languages offers graduate programs in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (on-campus and online master’s programs, the Christ’s College Cooperative Program, and a TESOL certificate); a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL); undergraduate majors in sociology and Spanish; undergraduate minors in environmental studies, ethnic studies, sociology, Spanish, and TESOL; and certificates in ethnic studies (generalist, Africana Studies, Asian American Studies, and Latinx Studies). Learn more about our programs and faculty.

Language Learning

The department prepares students to be citizens of an interconnected global community, and a great way to gain knowledge and appreciation of other cultures is through learning additional languages. Therefore, all APU students are required to complete two semesters (totaling 8 units) of a foreign language.

In addition to the major and minor in Spanish, the department offers select courses in other languages.

If you have studied a foreign language prior to entering APU, you have the option of demonstrating your proficiency in that language by taking the Oral Proficiency Interview by computer (OPIc), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), or Foreign Language Achievement Testing Service (FLATS) test. Depending on your test score, you may have your APU foreign language requirement waived and/or you may receive units toward graduation.

Study Away and Independent Study

To encourage the development of cultural proficiency and cross-cultural learning, APU offers study-away programs and independent study. If you are interested in completing some of your coursework abroad, contact the APU Study Away program. If you would like to pursue self-directed language learning, you must be an upper-division student and receive department approval; contact the department to learn more about independent study.

Note: This information is current for the 2024-25 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.