Global Languages and Cultures
Language Proficiency Requirement for Bachelor of Arts Majors
Bachelor of Arts degree majors have a second language proficiency requirement which means they must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. This requirement reflects the importance the University of Dayton places on intercultural education to prepare our graduates for global citizenship. Students can demonstrate second language proficiency to fulfill the language requirement in one of three ways:
- Demonstrated proficiency at the 201 (intermediate) level of language study through the language placement exam satisfies the degree requirement, although no credit is awarded. The proficiency is determined by a two-part examination process. The first exam, Phase I, consists of reading and multiple choice questions. Depending on the language of testing, the second exam, Phase II, involves listening/speaking or reading/writing/speaking. The language placement exams are conducted through the Department of Global Languages and Cultures. (Demonstrated proficiency at the 201 level is the equivalent to completion of 201.)
- Demonstrated proficiency at the 141 (basic proficiency) level of language study through the language placement exam (no credit is awarded) and completion of one of the following four options matching the language course of study: a 201 language level course, an approved study abroad/intercultural experience, an approved service learning experience or an approved contextual course taught in English. Proficiency at the 141 level is determined by the language placement exam conducted through the Department of Global Languages and Cultures. (Demonstrated proficiency at the 141 level is the equivalent to completion of 141.)
- Demonstrated proficiency by completion of a language course at the 141 (basic proficiency) level, along with any necessary prerequisite course, and completion of one of the following four options matching the language course of study: a 201 language level course, an approved study abroad/intercultural experience, an approved service learning experience or an approved contextual course taught in English.
Students whose first language is not English demonstrate second language proficiency by satisfying the University Common Academic Program requirements in composition and oral communication. Students whose first language is not English are not permitted to complete courses in their primary language except by permission of the Chair of the Department of Global Languages and Cultures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for some degree programs in the College of Arts and Sciences. Bachelor of Arts degree majors have a second language proficiency requirement which means they must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. This requirement reflects the importance the University places on intercultural education for our students. Other majors, beyond the Bachelor of Arts degree programs, may have specific language requirements.
View a list of Bachelor of Arts degree programs (www) >>
Yes, there are a number of ways.
- Advanced Placement (AP) credit is possible for Chinese, French, German, Italian, Latin and Spanish. International Baccalaureate (IB) credit is possible for French and Spanish. The credit hours awarded are applied to the graduation requirements. Students receiving AP or IB credit who plan to continue taking courses in their language of study will need to complete the language placement exam to determine which language course they begin taking at the University.
- Advanced placement via the language placement exam conducted through the Department of Global Languages and Cultures. This is a placement test that measures proficiency in a language. No credit is awarded but passing the test at the intermediate level meets the graduation language requirement for the BA major.
You are placed in the right language class! When you are in a class with others at the same level, you have the best chance to improve your skills and enhance your learning experience.
You are placed into the appropriate level class by completing the language placement exam conducted by the Department of Global Languages and Cultures. If you have taken language classes or have experience in a language prior to attending the University of Dayton, you are required to complete the language placement exam before taking a language class. The language placement exam is designed to place you into the correct language course based on your current skill level.