The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures at Northern Illinois University seeks to prepare students to interact successfully in one or more foreign languages in such a way that their language proficiency will help them attain personal and professional goals. 

The Department offers courses in over fifteen Western, Southeast Asian, and Classical languages. In addition, students can pursue interdisciplinary minors in classical studies, comparative literature, Latino/Latin American studies, linguistics, Japanese and Chinese Studies, and Southeast Asian studies. Language majors may choose either a language and literature emphasis or a business and translation emphasis for their program. Language majors in French, German, and Spanish may also pursue teacher certification. The Department also offers graduate programs leading to the degree of Master of Arts, in which students may pursue a specialization in French or Spanish.

Our department of various voices wishes to express in unison our sympathies and condolences for those who were touched by the recent tragedy on our campus.

Our hope is that education and understanding will lead us beyond violence.