The key to every Columbia student’s liberal arts experience is a solid knowledge of at least one foreign language and culture. You may choose to acquire a new language or continue studying a language with which you already have some familiarity. Whether you plan simply to fulfill the Core foreign language requirement or to pursue a major in languages and literature, language acquisition opens new worlds of knowledge and new ways of thinking.

If you wish to continue studying a language you began learning in secondary school, then you must take a placement exam offered by the respective foreign language department in order to determine your appropriate course level at Columbia. Times and locations for departmental placement exams are announced during New Student Orientation. Students who can place themselves in an appropriate level based on AP or SAT scores do not have to take a Columbia placement test.

All language instruction courses must be taken for a letter grade.

What is required?

Proficiency at the intermediate level of a foreign language, typically Intermediate Level II. You can find a list of languages below.

When?

Recommended in the first year if you are beginning or continuing a language.

Can I test out?

Yes. Exemption or placement level can be determined by AP scores, SAT II scores, or departmental placement tests. See below.

Foreign Language Requirement

The requirement may be satisfied in one of the following ways:

1. Satisfactory completion of the second term of an intermediate language sequence.

2. Demonstration of an equivalent competence through the appropriate score on an SAT II Subject Test or Advanced Placement test.

3. Demonstration of an equivalent competence through the College’s own placement tests. See below for departmental contact information.

4. Successful completion of an advanced-level foreign language or literature course that requires 1202 or the equivalent as a prerequisite. This course must be taken for a letter grade.

5. Students whose native language is not English are not required to take an additional foreign language or an achievement test if they have completed secondary school in their native language.

Also consider:

1. All terms of a language sequence offered in satisfaction of the language requirement must be taken for a letter grade and in order.

2. Students wishing to satisfy the requirement in a language not listed below should consult with their adviser.

3. Equivalent language courses offered at Barnard College and in the School of General Studies may be used to satisfy the requirement, with a few important exceptions. Ask your adviser.

4. Any student who wishes to submit a language course taken at another institution in fulfillment of the language requirement must pass a departmental placement examination.

Click here for Language Program Directors and Placement Policies