Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Language and International Trade [M.A.]


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs by Program Type

Objectives
The program’s objectives are to promote cultural awareness and sensitivity with reference to our own society as well as to societies of other world regions and provide the skills and knowledge necessary for competent performance in an international business environment. Students will develop skills to work in the international business community and acquire practical knowledge of business practices in their target language.

Program Admission


Applicants must meet the minimum Graduate School admission requirements (see Graduate Admissions or International Admissions) and complete a Graduate Application.

Applicants must also meet the following program requirements:

  • Declare the language to be used for the language area requirement on the Application for Graduate Admission (e.g., Language and International Trade - French). Native speakers of a language may not elect that language without the permission of the language section concerned. (Students applying to the ESL section of the master of arts in language and international trade should be sure their completed applications reach the Office of Admissions five months before the first semester of their program.).
  • Submit a statement of their reasons for pursuing this degree (Instructions - Spanish , Instructions - French , Instructions - German )
  • Request a letter of recommendation from two former university professors. 
  • Meet the background requirements stated below:
    • Foreign Language - Non-native speakers of French, German or Spanish must possess at least a minor in that language with a minimum grade point average of 3.0, or the equivalent proficiency. Non-native speakers of English must possess a minimum score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a minimum score on the computerized versions.  Students should see the EMU admissions website at www.emich.edu/admissions for required minimum scores.
    • Economics - A two-course sequence in macroeconomic theory and policy. A two-course sequence in microeconomic theory and policy. (Students not meeting the above requirements may be granted conditional admission and be required to complete either ECON 201  and ECON 301  or ECON 501  and either ECON 202  and ECON 302  or ECON 502 . Students must achieve an overall grade point average of 3.0 [B] or better in deficiency courses.)
    • Business - A course in the principles of accounting. A course in basic computers in business.

Note: Students not meeting the above degree requirements may be granted conditional admission and be required to complete either ACC 240  and ACC 241 , or ACC 501 , and MATH 118  plus COSC 101  or IS 215 , or IS 502 . Students must achieve an overall grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better in deficiency courses.

Conditional Admission - Conditional admission may be granted to students who do not meet the above admission requirements. These students will be required to take deficiency courses to meet these requirements; this work will be done in addition to regular program requirements. Students must achieve an overall grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better in deficiency courses.

Department Information


World Languages | Jeff Popko, Ph.D., Department Head | 219 Alexander, 734.487.0130, apopko@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Michael Foster, Ph.D., French Advisor, mfoste27@emich.edu

Monica Millan, Ph.D., Spanish Advisor, mmillan@emich.edu

Carla Damiano, Ph.D., German Advisor, cdamiano@emich.edu

Program Requirements


Students must complete a minimum of 10 hours in a foreign language, six hours in economics, 12 hours in business and a cooperative education assignment for three to six hours.

Cooperative Education


To complement their academic training and enhance their professional preparation and chances for future employment, all students are expected to complete a minimum 15-week cooperative education assignment in the public or private sector, provided an appropriate position can be found. U.S. citizens may undertake this assignment either in the United States or in a country where the language being studied is spoken, while ESL students may elect only the U.S. co-op. In all cases, students must satisfy the requirements of the co-op for which they are eligible.

U.S. Co-op Placement

To be eligible for this placement, a student must have achieved at least a 3.0 GPA and have completed at least 12 hours of graduate business and economics courses, as well as half of the foreign language requirements. Students meeting these requirements should make an appointment with the language and international trade co-op advisor at least six months prior to the semester in which the student wishes to begin the co-op assignment.

Overseas Co-op Placement

To be eligible for this placement, a student must have achieved at least a 3.25 GPA and have completed 18 hours of graduate business and economics courses, as well as the foreign language requirement for the master of arts in language and international trade. The student must also pass an oral interview conducted by department faculty in the language being studied at least seven months before the date on which the student wishes to begin the international co-op assignment. Consult the language and international trade co-op advisor for further information.

Degree Requirements: 31-34 hours


The M.A. in Language and International Trade requires 31-34 hours of course work to be distributed among required courses in foreign language, economics, business and cooperative education courses as follows:

Foreign Language: 10 hours


If fulfilling foreign language requirement with English, complete ESLN 642 and ESLN 648 (five hours each).

If fulfilling foreign language requirement with French German or Spanish, complete 10 hours, including courses FRNH/GERN/SPNH 646/647 (three hours each), in the chosen language.

Economics: 6 hours


Business: 12 hours


Select 12 credit hours from the following. At least one course must be a business course with an international focus.

Cooperative Education: 3-6 hours


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs by Program Type