Studying cultures, languages, and literatures other than one's own yields important insights into oneself and others and helps one confront the challenges of a world where people of diverse cultures increasingly encounter one another in areas such as science, business, and politics, and in everyday life. CUA offers many language options.

Non-English Languages at CUA

CUA students have the opportunity to study the following ancient or modern languages:

• Ancient Greek
• Arabic
• French
• German
• Irish
• Italian
• Latin
• Mandarin Chinese
• Portuguese
• Spanish

CUA offers courses in all of these, except Portuguese, from the introductory level (101) to at least the intermediate level (104).

A non-English language can complement your major interests and advance your future goals. Talk to your major advisor and undergraduate advisor about how to choose a language that fits with your academic and personal interests. Students can complete a major or minor in a language, finish a certificate related to a language, study literature from across the world, or sharpen conversational skills for professional, volunteer, or tourist opportunities.

Non-English Language-Related Majors at CUA

• Classics (Greek and Latin)
• French and Francophone Studies
• German Studies
• Hispanic Studies (study of the Spanish-speaking world)
• Italian Studies
• Spanish for International Service

Non-English Language-Related Minors at CUA

• Asian Studies
• Classical Civilization (Greek/Latin)
• French and Francophone Studies
• German Studies
• Greek
• Hispanic Studies (study of the Spanish-speaking world)
• Italian Studies
• Latin
• Latin American and Latino Studies

Non-English Language-Related Certificates at CUA

• European Studies
• Irish Studies
• Islamic World Studies
• Latin American and Latino Studies
• Spanish for Health Care

For more information about majors, minors, and certificates, you can click on the links above or visit the following list of people to contact about them.

Many CUA students will need to take a non-English language through the intermediate level--a 104-level course, which at CUA is the fourth semester (second year) of college study--because demonstrating proficiency at that level is required for many majors. In addition, CUA expects students considering a study abroad experience to complete the non-English language requirement before or during their semester away.

Schools that Require Non-English Language Study

Majors in the following schools require proficiency in a non-English language through the intermediate level--a 104-level course, which at CUA is the fourth semester (second year) of college study:

• Arts and Sciences
• Business
• The National Catholic School of Social Service
• Philosophy
• Theology and Religious Studies

Students who have demonstrated proficiency at the 104-level might still consider continuing to the advanced level as part of their general education electives. Even students whose major does not require a language can also choose to pursue language studies at CUA. You might enjoy trying a new language for one or two semesters or building on previous language studies.

If you want to begin a language that you have not studied previously, you can begin at the 101 level. If you would like to continue in a language that you studied in high school, you can determine your CUA language placement by:

• Submitting SAT II Language, IB, or AP exam scores. Be sure that you have placed a request with the College Board to send the scores to CUA. CUA's college code is 5104.
  OR
• Taking a non-English language placement test (refer to the section below).

If you're beginning a new language, it's a good idea to get started right away since you will have four semesters of language study. If you're continuing with a high school language we also think it's best to keep it up by enrolling this fall. Taking a long break from a language can set you back. Beginning early and making progress in a language during your first few semesters at CUA will allow you to achieve greater proficiency, free up space for more electives and minor courses, and open up study abroad opportunities.

If you grew up speaking Spanish at home but haven't taken two or more years or high school Spanish, you should take the placement test for heritage speakers of Spanish. Please contact Dr. Mayka Puente at puente@cua.edu or Dr. Dolores Lima at lima@cua.edu if you need to take the test and schedule a time to take it when you are on campus.

If you had much of your formal education in Spanish or any other non-English language for which CUA offers a placement test, take the placement test for that language. If you had much of your formal education in a language for which CUA does not offer a placement test, please contact Dr. Mayka Puente at puente@cua.edu.

Please note that some language placement tests carry an associated financial charge to your student account.

If you plan to study one of the modern non-English languages that CUA offers up to the 104-level (Arabic, French, German, Irish, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, or Spanish), you can access the placement options and instructions here.

If you are considering Latin or ancient Greek, you can find a detailed freshman placement guide here.