In order to graduate, a student must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. Proficiency will be defined as follows: (i)  four semesters of Penn State language study or 15 language credits from another institution; (ii) native acquisition, as shown by the candidate's personal history and approved by the School of International Affairs; or (iii) performance on a proficiency evaluation equivalent to four semesters (15 credits) of language learning, for this purpose, either Penn State's proficiency certification process or another pre-approved proficiency test may be used.  

A signed  Language Proficiency Verification Form must be in a student's file in order for a candidate to graduate.

Questions regarding the language proficiency requirement should be directed to the SIA Director of Admissions or the Director of the School of International Affairs.

IMPORTANT

Credits taken as “audit” cannot count towards fulfillment of the language proficiency requirement.

In situations where two or more language classes replicate each other (in content/title), only one can be counted towards the SIA language requirement

When a student's language proficiency level cannot be readily determined to be at the 15 credit level, SIA reserves the right to require a language proficiency test.