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Language Certification Proficiency Requirement for
SIS Graduate Degrees
Basic Requirement
To satisfy the tool of research requirement (also known for most SIS programs as the language requirement), students must be able to conduct research in a language other than English. “Research” for the purposes of this degree requirement means reading comprehension. Students for whom English is not their native language may be certified on the basis of their native language and English (the language of instruction for their graduate degree). All English language speakers will be required to certify proficiency in a language other than English.
PROFICIENCY is
- reading proficiency at the INTERMEDIATE level
- ability to read an article written in the language with good comprehension using a dictionary only for specialized terminology
For students whose first language is English, proficiency in another language may be demonstrated by:
- Passing the free Tool of Research examination in a language tested by American University’s Language Resource Center.
- Bachelor’s degree in the language completed within 3 years of the date of matriculation.
- Degree from a foreign university in which the language of instruction is not English completed within 3 years of the date of matriculation.
Alternatively, a student can be certified based on the following: - Presenting evidence of completion of a continuing education or graduate-level course in the language at the intermediate level with a grade of B or better.
- Certification by an accredited instructor/tutor of the language.
Either of these means can be certified up to a year before the student matriculates.
Last Updated Spring 2006