Department Chair: Heidi Lieb
Department Secretary: Shailly Mahajan
Room: A-333
Phone: (201) 447-7168

World Languages Coordinator: Alexs Birdsall Griffiths
Room: A-328A
Phone: (201) 447-7167

Our Mission

The mission of the department of world languages and cultures at Bergen Community College is to foster the study of thirteen languages offered at the College and to further the experience for those students who wish to continue learning a language previously studied. The department offers the following courses: American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Russian and Spanish. Courses in the world languages and cultures department develops students’ appreciation for other cultures and other ways of living and thinking. Liberal Arts students may choose World Languages as an option or “major” by taking two general education Humanities in World Languages (6 credits) and two free electives in World Languages.

Career Paths

The liberal arts Associate of Arts degree (A.A.) is designed to provide students with the coursework needed to transfer to a four-year institution and pursue a bachelor’s degree in a variety of areas including area studies, languages and literature, linguistics, translation and interpretation, international relations, public policy, political science, social sciences, social work, education, and world languages. The curriculum provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a pathway to careers in teaching, research, translation and interpretation, public service, counseling, social work, advocacy, publishing, campaign management, journalism and business. Students can take coursework and concentrated options in world languages. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in a study abroad program while earning credits toward their degree. It is recommended that students investigate this opportunity early in their course selection. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with Bergen Community College faculty and Career Services as they begin to explore career options.

Transfer Opportunities

Students pursuing the Associates of Arts degree (A.A.) can transfer into majors, such as area studies, languages and literature, linguistics, translation and interpretation, international relations, public policy, political science, social sciences, social work, education, and world languages. Many four-year colleges require coursework in a world language. Students are encouraged to work closely with Bergen Community College faculty and Advising Transfer Services. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution in NJ can explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer https://njtransfer.org.