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Foreign Language Requirement

A student must demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language. Six languages are accepted toward fulfilling the Ph.D. language requirement: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish.

Students proficient in another language may request an exemption from this requirement from the Director of Graduate Studies.   Exemptions must be requested in writing, before the last semester of coursework.

Language proficiency may be demonstrated by any of the following:

  1. Passing the foreign language proficiency examination given by the Graduate School of Arts and Science. Formal application for the Graduate School foreign language proficiency examination (not the department’s) must be filed on the appropriate form in the Degree and Diploma Office of the Office of the University Registrar not later than five weeks before the examination date. Please consult the current GSAS calendar for examination dates and application deadlines.
  2. Passing a departmental examination; Formal application for the Departmental language examination must be made at least 40 days before the desired test date.   Arrangements for this exam should be made with Liza Greenfield at (212) 998-1600.
  3. Completing, or having completed not more than two years before matriculation, a full or final intermediate-level college course in the language with a transcript grade of B or better.

School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) courses do not satisfy this requirement; however, students with no previous knowledge of a foreign language or those who wish a review are encouraged to enroll in the SCPS special reading courses for graduate degree candidates. A two-semester sequence is offered in French, German, Chinese and Spanish (plus Italian and Russian in the summer session). For information, call the SCPS Foreign Language Program, (212) 998-7030.

Students who have met the language requirement in another graduate school not more than two (2) years before matriculating in the department may request that such credentials be accepted by the department.