World Language Requirement
All International Studies majors must be proficient in a language other than English. Proficiency can be demonstrated in many ways, but we define it as credit for one language series: 1101, 1102, 1103, and 2000 (one level above 1103) or their equivalents. Given each student’s language experience, this requirement can be met in many ways:
- Language placement test
- If you test out of 1101, you need to take 3 more semesters: 1102, 1103, 2000
- If you test out of 1102, you need to take 2 more semesters: 1103 and 2000
- If you test out of 1103, you need to take 1 more semester: 2000
- If you test out of 2000, then your language requirement is met and you not required to take any additional language courses to meet your International Studies degree requirements
- Validation
- Transfer to Ohio State: AP rest results, CCP credit, other credits
Notes
- American Sign Language is accepted (full series: 1101, 1102, 1103, and 2000)
- Latin is not accepted. You must choose a language currently in use internationally.
- If you want to start a language from the beginning, please email your advisor with the language name, course level & course 4-6 digit number, time/date etc. Ensure you keep that blocked on your schedule.
Exceptions
Non-English speaking high school graduates or non-US high school graduates from an English language high school fluent in a foreign language must:
- have an international English language test on file (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo English Test, Cambridge English Qualifications, CELPIP, etc) or provide Ohio State Admissions with a result if not already listed in your record
OR - contact the Center for Languages, Literatures and Cultures and discuss Validation for your particular language
US high school graduates with proficiency in a foreign language must provide verification from the Center for Languages, Literatures and Cultures indicating that you meet the International Studies major proficiency requirement:
- African languages: contact Dr. Salome Fouts and say that you are an International Studies major who needs credit/test for the 2000 level
- Chinese, Japanese, and Korean: contact the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures
- All other languages, including those not taught at Ohio State: contact the Center for Languages, Literatures and Cultures
- Seal of Biliteracy: If your specific SOBL covers only 1101-1103, you have two options:
- Take 2000 level class that has 1103 as a prerequisite or
- Contact that specific department that offers that language to take a test for the 2000 level (as this level is needed for IS major)
FAQ
Can I take Latin or use my Latin AP credit?
Latin is not a language of current international circulation, so we do not accept it.
I want to study Mandarin. Is this an option?
You can study Mandarin through Ohio State's Chinese language program.
I know a language that is not offered at OSU. How can I get credit for this?
The Center for Languages, Literatures, and Cultures can help guide your options for either testing or being validated. All International Studies majors must take/reach 2000 level proficiency requirement (one level above 1103) in an international language other than English.
- Languages not taught at OSU (ALTA test or other, MUST read to determine): Center for Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
- African languages (Somali, Swahili and others): contact Dr. Salome Fouts. Be sure to note that you're an International Studies major and you need credit/testing for the 2000 level course (with 1103 as a prerequisite).
I am international student. Do I still need to take a foreign language?
Non-English speaking high school graduates must send an international English language (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo English Test, Cambridge English Qualifications, CELPIP etc) to OSU Admissions if not already listed in your record. If you already have an English language international test as part of your record at OSU, we will validate your foreign language requirement for the General Education part of the degree, but you will need to take an extra class in English to account for the 2000 level course. Usually, our students take an extra International Studies class in place of the 2000 level language course. You can discuss this with your advisor.
I've already taken 2-4 years of a language in high school. Do I still need to take it at OSU?
It depends. All International Studies majors must take or provide proof of four semesters of foreign language training in one language: 1101, 1102, 1103, and 2000 (one level above 1103) or their equivalents. Language level can be determined by:
- Language placement test (example: if you place in 1102, you need 3 more semesters: 1102, 1103, 2000 level)
- Validation
- Transfer to OSU: AP rest results, CCP credit, other credits.
What is the difference between validation and a language placement test?
Validation is for students who speak a foreign language fluently and have graduated from an English-speaking high school and do not have AP, CCP, or other formal credits in that language to transfer to OSU.
A language placement test is for anyone who has any level of formal or informal knowledge/training in a foreign language but does not have AP, CCP, or other credits and wants to see where they can be placed.
Can I study multiple languages?
All International Studies majors must take or provide proof of proficiency of four semesters of foreign language training in a single language: 1101, 1102, 1103, and 2000 (one level above 1103) or their equivalents. You are welcome to take as many languages as you desire, however, you must complete one language series (1101, 1102, 1103, 2000) to meet the International Studies major requirement.
What happens if I place into the 2000 level course?
If you place in the 2000 level, you only need to take a one-semester 2000-level class. A language placement test will determine if this is an option for you.
I don't think the result of the placement test accurately reflects my level. What can I do?
We recommend that you discuss your concerns regarding your placement test result with the specific department who administered the test.
Can I waive the world language requirement?
All International Studies majors need credit for 4 semesters in one language. This requirement is firm and not something we typically waive. The only way it may be waived is if the student is able to obtain approval by petition from the College of Arts and Sciences that waives the language requirements (1101, 1102, 1103) in the language the student is pursuing. Usually, such reasons include well-documented medical issues that prevent the student from fulfilling the language requirement. Make an appointment with your advisor to discuss.
Still have questions? Make an appointment with an advisor.