Navigating College Foreign Language Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide
Many colleges emphasize the importance of a well-rounded education. Understanding and interacting with diverse cultures is essential in today’s interconnected society, and for many, this includes proficiency in a foreign language. Ever wonder why there are foreign language requirements for college? This article explores the ins and outs of college foreign language requirements, explaining why they exist, how they function, and how students might fulfill or even waive them.
Why Foreign Language Requirements?
Colleges want to prepare you for the global marketplace. To develop a campus of well-rounded students, many colleges require applicants to have completed certain general education classes in high school. Taking a foreign language is often one of these requirements, in addition to taking classes in core subjects like math and English. Colleges believe studying a foreign language expands your worldview and can open doors to more careers. Being fluent in another language can be especially beneficial in the tech, education, business, and law sectors, as well as in other fields that play a key role in the global economy. Learning a language is more than just about communicating.
Two Types of Foreign Language Requirements
There are two types of foreign language requirements for college. The first type focuses on admission. For many colleges, you have to take a certain number of foreign language classes in high school just to be able to apply. Usually, colleges expect you to take at least two years of a single foreign language. The second type of foreign language requirement is for graduation. Many majors and colleges require you to pass one or more semesters of a foreign language in college.
Admission Requirements
Many colleges require at least two years of a foreign language in high school for admission. Some competitive colleges recommend, and a few require, applicants to have more than two years of a foreign language in high school. As Hools W., a parent in the group, points out, “It really depends on the college.” Some institutions might expect just two years of high school language studies, while others could mandate more.
To satisfy these requirements, keep in mind that taking high school (A-G) courses isn't the only way to satisfy these requirements. You also may meet them by completing college courses or earning certain scores on various acceptable exams.
Read also: Enrollment at Notre Dame
Graduation Requirements
Many students are surprised to learn that their college has foreign language requirements for graduation. Numerous majors and institutions mandate that undergraduates pass one or more semesters of a foreign language. Colleges that require a foreign language for graduation typically require 9-12 credits in the same language. Languages can be modern, such as Spanish and Japanese, or classical, such as Latin. Each college has its own graduation requirements, so check with your academic advisor to determine whether your degree requires a foreign language.
How Many Years of Foreign Language Are Required?
As a result, many schools recommend or require that prospective students take at least two years of a foreign language in high school. Note that these two years must typically be in the same language. So if you take one year of French but switch to Spanish the next year, you may need to take an additional year of Spanish (or French) to qualify for admission.
Examples of College Foreign Language Requirements
Below is a sampling of colleges and their foreign language requirement for admissions.
| School | Foreign Language Undergraduate Admission Requirement |
|---|---|
| Arizona State University | 2 years |
| Cornell University | 3 years |
| University of Central Florida | 2 years |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | 2 years |
| The Ohio State University | 2 years |
| University of Pennsylvania | 2 years (if available at your high school) |
| Texas A&M University | 2 years |
| Washington University in St. Louis |
Waivers for Foreign Language Requirements
While many colleges have foreign language requirements for applicants, they understand that this requirement may pose challenges for some. In that case, you can petition the college to waive the foreign language requirement for admission. The only exception to the foreign language admission requirement is if you have a waiver. Waivers are usually reserved for exceptional cases, such as when a high school does not offer a foreign language.
Eligibility for Waivers
You may be eligible for a foreign language requirement waiver when applying to college. If you took courses taught in a language other than English throughout high school, schedule a meeting with an academic counselor. They can help you figure out whether you meet the prerequisites to be able to waive the foreign language requirement for admission.
Read also: A Look at Penn State's Enrollment Numbers
Waivers Based on Prior Degrees
Some colleges may allow you to petition for a foreign language admission requirement waiver if you already have a degree, such as an associate degree. Check with your academic advisor to see if your degree waives the foreign language requirement.
Checking for Waiver Opportunities
There may be other waiver opportunities available at your institution so be sure to check with the admissions offices at the institutions you are applying to.
Alternatives to Traditional Foreign Language Classes
If you previously took a foreign language in high school or speak a language other than English fluently or natively, you may be able to place out of lower-level language courses by demonstrating proficiency in the language. You can do this through the IB program, by passing an AP language test, or by scoring highly on your college’s language placement test.
CLEP Exam
This examination assesses understanding of college introductory material in Spanish, French, or German. Robin P., another parent, suggests, “If your student just finished French, Spanish, or German, and their college accepts the CLEP exam for credit, look into it. It can get a student up to 12 credits, depending on the college."
College Placement Exams
Beyond CLEP, many colleges have proprietary language placement tests. As Marsha K. shared about her STEM-major son’s experience, “My son’s college required a placement test. It wasn’t for credit but to determine what class level to register for, regardless of what he took in high school.” Angela H. resonated with this, noting her daughter’s similar journey, despite her high school Spanish background. Students are strongly urged to take all placement exams during Orientation Weekend prior to the beginning of the fall semester each year.
Read also: Analyzing Ole Miss Enrollment Trends
Placement Exams at Specific Universities (Examples)
Many departments administer placement exams to determine the appropriate course level for students with prior language experience. Here are some examples:
- Arabic: Students with some background in Arabic may take an exam administered by the Department to place into courses beyond the beginning level.
- Chinese: Students with some background in Chinese may take an exam administered by the Department to place into courses beyond the beginning level.
- French: If you have previous language experience in French, you must take a placement exam prior to enrolling in your first language course.
- German: Students with some background in German may take an exam administered by the Department to place into courses beyond the beginning level, e.g., GE 20211.
- Greek: Students with some background in Greek may take an exam administered by the Department to place into courses beyond the beginning level.
- Japanese: Students with some background in Japanese may take an exam administered by the Department to place into courses beyond the beginning level.
- Korean: Students with some background in Korean may take an exam administered by the Department to place into courses beyond the beginning level.
- Latin: Students with some background in Latin may take an exam administered by the Department to place into courses beyond the beginning level.
- Russian: Students with some background in Russian may take an exam administered by the Department to place into courses beyond the beginning level.
- Spanish: If you have previous language experience in Spanish, you must take a placement exam prior to enrolling in your first language course.
Choosing a Language
It doesn’t matter which language you take - just that you study a single language consistently. Choose a language that interests you, regardless of how popular it is.
Languages Commonly Taught
Many high schools teach Spanish. Other commonly taught languages in U.S. high schools include French, Chinese, Latin, and German.
How Degree and Major Impact Language Requirements
The degree or major a student selects can also significantly impact language requirements. Heidi H. Gemila L. further highlights the intricate nuances: “It’s not just the college; it can be department-dependent.” She recalls how her daughter, despite excelling in Advanced Placement Spanish, still faced college language classes due to her major. Tami B. adds another layer of complexity: “Several colleges that our daughters applied to required at least two years for initial college admission.
Should You Take Foreign Language Classes in High School?
In general, you should take foreign language courses if you plan to go to college. Many colleges require two years of a single foreign language as a condition of admission.
Additional Ways to Satisfy Requirements
Four years of college-preparatory English that include frequent writing, from brainstorming to final paper, as well as reading of classic and modern literature. For each year required through the 11th grade, a grade of C or better in a non-transferable college course of 3 or more semester (4 or more quarter) units in English composition, literature (American or English) or foreign literature in translation. Three years of college-preparatory mathematics that include the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry; a fourth year of math is strongly recommended. NOTE: All students must complete a geometry course or integrated math with geometry content (e.g., Math II). Two years of college-preparatory science, including or integrating topics that provide fundamental knowledge in two of these three subjects: biology, chemistry, or physics. One year of approved interdisciplinary or earth and space sciences coursework can meet one year of the requirement. A third year of science is recommended. Two years, or equivalent to the 2nd level of high school instruction, of the same language other than English are required. Courses should emphasize speaking and understanding, and include instruction in grammar, vocabulary, reading, composition and culture. American Sign Language and classical languages, such as Latin and Greek, are acceptable, as are Native American languages. Grade of C or better in any transferable course(s) (excluding conversation) held by the college to be equivalent to two years of high school language. Students with no previous background in a language should start with a beginning course. A maximum of six credits of placement can be granted for previous study in a given language.
Course Examples
- Arabic: MEAR 10001, MEAR 10002, and MEAR 20003 (total of 9 credits).
- Chinese: EALC 10101, EALC 10102, and EALC 10103 (total of 9 credits) or EALC 10111 and EALC 10112 (total of 10 credits).
- French: Note, there are two beginning French courses, ROFR 10101 and ROFR 10115, both of which typically start in the fall.
- German: GE 10101, GE 10102, and GE 20201 (total of 11 credits) or GE 10111 and GE 10112 (total of 12 credits).
- Greek: CLGR 10001, CLGR 10002, and CLGR 20003 (total of 11 credits).
- Irish: IRST 10101, IRST 10102, and IRST 20103 (total of 9 credits).
- Japanese: EALJ 10101, EALJ 10102, and EALJ 10103 (total of 9 credits) or EALJ 10111 and EALJ 10112 (total of 10 credits).
- Korean: EALK 10111/11111 and EALK 10112 /11112 (total of 10 credits).
- Latin: CLLA 10001, CLLA 10002, and CLLA 20003 (total of 11 credits) or CLLA 10010 and CLLA 20003 (total of 8 credits).
tags: #college #language #requirements
