Non-Degree Language Classes
Explore languages without committing to a major
You can study a wide range of languages at the University at Buffalo without pursuing a full degree. Whether you want to add a minor, prepare for study abroad or explore a new interest, these options help you build language skills, cultural understanding and global perspective.
Looking for a full degree?
The Department of Linguistics offers full degree pathways in Chinese, German, Japanese and Korean. These programs provide deeper study of language, culture and communication.
Language study can strengthen any major and open new opportunities.
At UB, you can:
- Build speaking, listening, reading, writing or signing skills
- Add global perspective to your field of study
- Prepare for study abroad or international work
- Explore language, culture and community
- Strengthen communication and critical thinking skills
Study a language through coursework. These languages are available through course sequences and do not lead to a bachelor’s degree or a minor.
Arabic is spoken by hundreds of millions of people worldwide and is one of the official languages of the United Nations. At UB, you will study Modern Standard Arabic and build skills that support communication across cultures and global contexts.
Arabic may be a strong fit if you are interested in:
- International business or global communication
- Diplomacy, policy or public service
- Cultural or religious studies
- Working with Arabic-speaking communities
Modern Greek is spoken in Greece, Cyprus and communities around the world. Studying Greek gives you insight into a language and culture with deep historical influence on philosophy, literature, politics and the sciences.
Modern Greek may support interests in:
- History, philosophy or classical studies
- International and Mediterranean studies
- Language, culture and global communication
- Religious or cultural studies
Hindi and Urdu are closely related languages spoken by millions across South Asia and around the world. At UB, you will study both, gaining insight into language, culture and communication across diverse communities.
Hindi-Urdu may support interests in:
- International relations
- Global business
- Translation and communication
- Cultural and regional studies
With almost 40 million speakers in Poland and millions more worldwide, Polish remains an important global language. At UB, Polish courses help students build language skills while exploring Polish history, literature and culture.
Polish may support interests in:
- Eastern European and international studies
- Language and cultural studies
- Global communication
- Community engagement and heritage language learning
Russian is spoken across a wide region extending beyond Russia into Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Studying Russian at UB helps you understand language, culture and global contexts tied to this region.
Russian study may support interests in:
- International business or global affairs
- Cultural and regional studies
- Communication across diverse communities
Language study at UB is designed to work alongside your major.
You can:
- Take language courses as electives
- Prepare for study abroad
- Build skills that support careers in many fields
Not sure where to begin? Start by exploring course options or reaching out for placement guidance.