Foreign Language Requirements in College

Hello, everyone! I'm curious if you are required to take a foreign language in college. Specifically, do liberal arts schools or STEM-focused schools have some kind of foreign language requirement? How many semesters or years of a language might I need to take?

Hello! Generally speaking, foreign language requirements in college can vary depending on the kind of school you attend and the specific program you choose. Here's a brief overview:

Liberal Arts Colleges:

At liberal arts colleges, it is more common for students to have foreign language requirements, which are often part of their general education or core curriculum requirements. Typically, students at these schools are required to take around 2-4 semesters of a foreign language, although this may vary depending on the college and your prior language experience. Some colleges might grant you exemption or reduced requirements if you have taken AP, IB, or other advanced language courses in high school.

STEM-focused Schools:

STEM-focused schools, such as engineering or technology institutions, may have more relaxed or optional foreign language requirements, given their focus on technical subjects. However, it is still worth checking the specific requirements for your intended major, as some may still require a certain number of foreign language credits. Additionally, if you're planning on pursuing a double major or a minor in a non-technical subject area, you might encounter foreign language requirements.

To get a better understanding of the foreign language requirements at a specific college, be sure to visit the college's website and review their general education or core curriculum sections, as well as the requirements for the major you're interested in. If you're still unsure, you could reach out to the school's advising office or the department of your intended major for further clarification.

Keep in mind that even if a school doesn't have a specific foreign language requirement, studying a foreign language can help you develop valuable skills, such as communication and cultural understanding, which can be useful both personally and professionally.