All students must demonstrate at least a beginning-level competency in a language other than English. That means you either need to complete the beginning year of a language OR demonstrate that you already have proficiency at the intermediate level or above. There are several ways to do this, which you can see outlined below. Learn more about your options for satisfying the language competency requirement in the College Catalog.
Students without any language experience fulfill the language competency requirement by completing the beginning level sequence of a language (e.g. GRMN 10100-10200-10300). For most language options, this sequence only begins in Autumn, so students should plan accordingly.
Students that earn a satisfactory score on an AP or IB exam can fulfill the language competence requirement with this exam score. Students that did not receive a satisfactory score and/or have language experience should take a language placement test to determine the appropriate starting point. Students that test into the beginning level of the language take however many courses are necessary to complete the sequence (for example: If you place into FREN 10200, you need to complete FREN 10200 and FREN 10300, which completes the sequence). Students that test into the intermediate level (e.g. 20100 or higher) can fulfill the language competency requirement by completing the course into which they placed or by taking an on-campus competency exam, offered in winter quarter each year.
Students with language experience are encouraged to complete the placement exam for any language they are familiar with, regardless of whether they plan to take related courses since it will help them get a sense of their options. Students that wish to complete the requirement with a new language will complete the beginning level sequence of a language (e.g. GRMN 10100-10200-10300). For most language options, this sequence only begins in Autumn, so students should plan accordingly.
Students who are foreign nationals may meet the language competence requirement if their formal schooling experience in a country other than the United States enables them to demonstrate the criteria of cultural understanding and language competence. They must submit a petition to Catherine Baumann (773.702.8008, ccbauman@uchicago.edu). Supporting documentation must also be provided; the requirement is not automatically waived.
Some majors require language proficiency beyond the beginning level, and many students want to increase their competency further for personal, professional, or academic reasons. It's also good to note that even though there is no additional language requirement for pre-health students, it would be fair to say that higher-level language fluency can open many doors both in the US and abroad. The same is true of many other fields. Students interested in being recognized for exceptional global engagement may consider Global Honors. Students with advanced language proficiency can also consider the Foreign Language Proficiency Certifications. This certification documents what a student can do with the language in a meaningful and impactful way and how their language abilities–listening, reading, speaking, and writing–will serve them in their professional and academic careers.
The University of Chicago teaches over 50 languages on the Hyde Park Campus and abroad. In the video above, check out what Cathy Baumann, Director of the UChicago Language Center, has to say about opportunities to learn or expand your language knowledge in the College.