All BA degree candidates must satisfactorily complete (D- or higher) four semesters of a foreign language, or they must earn an achievement examination or placement test score sufficient for placement in foreign language classes at the 300 level or above.

First-Level Requirement

The foreign language requirement at the first-year level is successful completion of 8 credit hours in a foreign language or a satisfactory score on the university foreign language placement test. Students may receive credit in the language by earning a satisfactory score on the foreign language placement test. All credit for courses taken in a foreign language will apply toward the degree, and the grades obtained will count in the grade point average. The Pass/Fail option may not be used for foreign language courses except when such courses are taken as free electives.

Second-Level Requirement

A student may fulfill the remaining 6 credit hours of the foreign language requirement for the B.A. degree by satisfactorily completing 6 credit hours of course work or the equivalent at the 200 level in a foreign language.  Second-Level courses must be completed in the same language selected for the First-Level Requirement.

Language Examination Placement Tests

Students who have had previous exposure to a foreign language are required to take a university foreign language placement test before they will be allowed to register for any section of a foreign language course. Placement tests are administered by the Student Development Center, University Center South.

Proficiency Examinations

A student may complete the language requirement by taking a proficiency examination administered by the language department concerned. Such examinations will be given after the student has asked for and has received the consent of the language department.

International Students

An international student may substitute proficiency in his or her native language if that language is offered for instruction at Indiana University. The student may not, however, earn credit for any courses at the first- and second-year level in his or her native language.