Major Description
Portuguese provides students with the opportunity to continue developing their language skills while studying the literature and culture of Portugal and Brazil as well as linguistics. Students majoring in Portuguese may go on to graduate study in areas such as Luso-Brazilian literature, comparative literature, Latin American studies or linguistics. They may also combine Portuguese with other areas to prepare for career opportunities in international business, government, travel or communications.
Courses That Introduce the Major
- PORT 200—Advanced Grammar
- PORT 201—Intensive Beginning Portuguese
- PORT 202—Intensive Intermediate Portuguese
Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.
Possible Career Opportunities
Portuguese provides a gateway to a number of different professional paths.
Common Career Skills
- Ability to persuade/influence
- Clear and concise writing
- Comprehensive command of grammar and vocabulary
- Creating and clarifying ideas
- Critical thinking
- Cross-cultural communication
- Good listening, clarifying and responding skills
- High proficiency in reading, speaking and writing
- Language competence for speaking, writing, reading and listening
- Oral presentation/public speaking
- Understanding of cultural differences
- Working social and professional competence in Portuguese
Common Career Titles
- Analyst
- Archeologist
- Historian
- Immigration Specialist
- Interpreter
- Language Researcher
- Linguist
- Portuguese Language Teacher
- Translator
Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.
Enhancing Your Academic Experience
- Participating in undergraduate research
- Applying for a study abroad experience
- Utilizing resources of The Career Center
- Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Luso-Brazilian Association: promotes and supports cultural activities related to Brazil and other Portuguese speaking communities around the world.
Further Information
There are several professional organizations dedicated to Portuguese. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Portuguese. These organizations include American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese and Modern Language Association.