The department offers majors in French, German, and Spanish.  In order to complete one of these majors, a minimum of forty credits is required, including courses numbered 1101, 1102, 2211, 2212, 3301, 3302, 3320, and 4410, the last of which must be taken at McDaniel College.

Students may earn up to twelve credits toward a major through the McDaniel College administered placement examination, which is taken before beginning classes as a first-year student.  Only one course taught in English may count toward the major.

In addition, students must spend at least one semester studying abroad in a country where the language is spoken.  If, for strong personal reasons, a student is unable to study abroad, he/she must live in the appropriate language house for one year on the McDaniel campus.