Language Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees in AACSB-Accredited Schools: Deans' Opinions

Abstract

A new, highly interdependent global marketplace of producers and consumers has emerged. Compared with other countries, the United States is in some ways ill equipped to take an effective role in the international community. Most college students do not develop an understanding of even one foreign language or culture, and little has been done to expand business students' foreign language knowledge. This research determined the current language requirements for baccalaureate degrees in AACSB-accredited schools and the opinions of AACSB deans regarding foreign language requirements. The majority of the deans believed there should be a foreign language requirement. Spanish was considered the most beneficial and available foreign language, with Japanese and Chinese ranking second and third, respectively. Size of school and availability of foreign languages were significantly dependent.