The Foreign Language programs at Hampton University are designed with an emphasis on developing foreign language communicative proficiency, as it is defined by Congress in 2001, to meet realities faced by this new generation of undergraduate students as well as the pragmatic economic needs. They provide students with the necessary tools to compete the global market which offers opportunities for foreign languages in areas like community health, law, diplomacy, engineering, architecture, government and tourism. Through participation in experiential learning and study abroad programs, students develop their cross cultural understanding, so vital to the mastery of the language while broadening their horizons. The Department of Modern Foreign Languages is committed to the more enlightened goal of providing the entire student body with an education that provides a basis for understanding the complexities of the nature and importance of human interdependence.

The Major program in Spanish prepares students for graduate studies as well as for domestic and international careers. It is designed to enhance the training of students in virtually any discipline by allowing them to perform work in their field in two languages.

The Minor program in Spanish is designed to develop linguistic skills necessary to function successfully in any domestic careers, particularly in business and Health.

As a service area, the Department offers eight languages: Arabic, Swahili, Chinese, German, Russian, Japanese, Spanish and French. In addition to the language program, the Department is dedicated to developing and encouraging student and faculty participation in extracurricular activities that generate a truly international campus. These activities are designed to nurture a social environment that supports the goals of diversity and multiculturalism historically advocated by the University and the School of Liberal Arts.