Bachelor of Romance Studies at The Ohio State University
The Romance Studies at The Ohio State University is a Bachelor program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the Columbus campus in United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 4 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 24, 2027.
About Bachelor of Romance Studies
Romance Studies
Degree: BA
Campus: Columbus
College: Arts and Sciences
Many students arrive at Ohio State with a desire to learn languages, and many already have a background in one or more Romance languages (Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Romanian) or Latin. This major is designed for students who are interested in developing skills in three Romance languages or Latin, as well as the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors of intercultural competence, which are essential for succeeding in today's interconnected and diverse world. Note that Romance Studies majors often have time in their schedule to complete a second major or one to two minors.
Get started
Upon admission to the university, students can declare a major in Romance studies within the College of Arts and Sciences.
In order to test out of language and accelerate the time to degree, students should take a placement test if they have taken a Romance language in high school or have language skills from living in a country in which a Romance language is spoken.
Students may take a placement test in a Romance language if they are proficient in another. For example, a fluent Spanish speaker may choose to take the placement test for Italian in order to test out of one or more elementary-level courses.
Students who are interested in Romance studies should contact the undergraduate advisor in the department of the primary language as soon as possible in order to organize course work.
Curriculum
The Romance studies major requires between 41 and 48 credits. This does not count the prerequisites for the primary and secondary language. However, note that the 1000-level language course prerequisite hours for the primary or secondary language count for the open option general education requirement. In addition, many students test out of any number of elementary-level language courses.
Students must choose one primary field, one secondary field and one tertiary field, each in a different language, and take one required course taught in English in the junior or senior year. See below for specific requirements.
Primary field
Students complete eight courses in the primary field, totaling 24 credits.
- Five courses beyond the 2000-level (Latin requires seven courses at or beyond the 2000-level)
- Three courses (nine credits) of study abroad in the primary field (students who select Latin as their primary language are required to study abroad in the secondary language)
Secondary field
- Three courses beyond the 2000-level
Tertiary field
- Basic language proficiency, which depends on the options offered and the level into which a student tests
- 1101–1103; no more than 12 credits
- Minimum of five credits of accelerated courses
Required course
All students are required to take Italian/French/Spanish/Classics 5051: Latin and the Romance Languages. The goal of this course is to give students the opportunity to examine how the Romance languages are related and how they differ, thus bringing the work they have done in all languages together. The prerequisite for the course is one year of a Romance language; no knowledge of linguistics is expected.
Study abroad
Students must take three summer study abroad courses in the primary field after the 2000-level courses have been completed at Ohio State. The study abroad courses must be content courses, usually at the 3000 level or above.
Honors and Scholars
Students pursuing the Romance studies major are encouraged to do an Honors research project with a professor specializing in their area of interest.
Learn more about the Honors and Scholars Programs at honors-scholars.osu.edu.
Research
Students pursuing the Romance studies major are encouraged to do a thesis in order to obtain research distinction with a professor specializing in their area of interest.
Student organizations
Students can participate in the activities of the language clubs, such as Oi Brasil!, Club Hispano, French Club and Italian Club, and converse with other language students and instructors at conversation tables and the Teaching and Learning Center in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese. Students are also encouraged to attend presentations by faculty and visiting scholars.
Possible careers
Multilingualism is a valued asset on the job market. Foreign language abilities are applicable in a variety of settings in the United States and abroad. The mastery of one or more languages allows students to consider careers in government, business, banking and finance, journalism, print and electronic media, foreign correspondence, the trade and tourism industries, and education. Students are required to take the World Languages Skills and Competencies Workshop one time during their undergraduate career. In this workshop, they learn how to communicate the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors of intercultural competence that they have developed in their major to future employers.
Students are also encouraged to attend the annual career night organized by the Center for Languages, Literatures and Cultures in order to learn about careers in the foreign languages.
Program objectives
The goal of the Romance studies major is for students to become proficient in the language and cultures of multiple countries in order to become respectful, responsible and active global citizens.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Romance Studies at The Ohio State University
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Romance Studies at The Ohio State University
How to Apply for Bachelor of Romance Studies at The Ohio State University
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
United States of America, Columbus