Language Core Requirement
The Core Curriculum requires competency in another language. Students can fulfill this requirement in a number of ways. Scroll down to learn more about how to fulfill the language Core requirement and language placement.
Language Placement Guide
The University of San Diego offers courses in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Latin and Spanish.
To enroll in language courses, students have two options based on their skill level:
Language Placement Guide
Students have three options to determine which course they should initially take:
If you wish to study a language (see the list below) for the first time, proceed to enroll in a 101 course for your language of choice.
The University of San Diego offers courses in:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- French
- German
- Italian
- Japanese
- Latin
Students wishing to study Classical Greek should contact Professor Rubio at santiago@sandiego.edu.
If you wish to begin studying Spanish for the first time, you must complete a Waiver of Placement (less than 5 mins). The waiver process allows enrollment in Spanish 101.
Complete a Language Placement Exam* (approximately 10-15 mins)
- A language placement exam is a diagnostic tool that measures a student’s skills in a language they have studied or have experience with.
- Students should not prepare for a language placement exam in any way.
- Language placement exams begin with a “Language Background” survey.
- Results arrive via email in 2-3 workdays.
- Students may receive a "Primary Placement" course or, when appropriate, an "Optional Placement" course. Students cannot enroll below or above the (primary or optional) placement result.
*A language placement exam cannot be taken more than once per academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students with AP or IB credit should confirm that USD’s Registrar has received their official scores.
Incoming students transferring college credit in another language should not take the exam but enroll in the next course in the language sequence.
Please review the Transferring Course Credits page ensure your credits transfer properly.
Languages not offered at USD (such as ASL, Kumeyaay, among others) can fulfill the Core competency via transferring in a third-semester language course from an accredited university or passing an approved competency exam.
You may fulfill the second language Core requirement by passing an approved competency exam. That said, you are strongly encouraged to continue to grow your language skills by pursuing language study.
If you have questions about language courses or placements, please contact the Languages, Cultures and Literatures Department at languages@sandiego.edu or the Director of Placement at santiago@sandiego.edu.