Language Requirement

Proficiency in English and at least one other language is essential for a successful career in international affairs and thus a requirement for graduation from the MSFS program. The MSFS program assesses language proficiency in the following ways:

• Language Placement Exam
  Prior to the start of classes, MSFS students take language placement exams. This exam serves a dual purpose. First, it is used to determine which level of language study they should pursue at Georgetown, if at all. Second, it determines eligibility to sit for the language proficiency exam that takes place later in the academic calendar. Students whose native language is not English may declare English as their proficiency language, or may select a different non-native language for their proficiency requirement.
• Language Courses
  Students who are advised to take English or other foreign language course(s) before proceeding to the Language Proficiency Exam should enroll for an additional (fifth) course during their first semester. Language courses offered include: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Modern Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, and Ukrainian. Additional language study in South and Southeast Asian languages are available to MSFS students through a consortium agreement with Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Note: Language courses do not count for course credit toward the MSFS degree; grades received in language courses do not count in determining the student’s GPA.

Oral Language Proficiency Exam

Oral Proficiency in a language other than English is a graduation requirement for MSFS students. Oral Proficiency is defined as the ability to speak the language at the Advanced Low level (ACTFL Scale or equivalent). This requirement is met in one of three ways:

I. As a speaker of a language other than English who also demonstrates proof of a diploma or degree from an institution (high school, college, prior graduate degree) where the primary language of instruction was not in English.

OR

II. By passing a language proficiency exam. This exam can be taken through a Georgetown Language Department (after the appropriate coursework is completed), or through Language Testing International (ACTFL – Oral Proficiency Interview). The minimum required score is “Advanced-Low” (ACTFL-OPI) or “Good” (Georgetown test).

OR

III. For Category III and IV languages only (as defined by the U.S. Department of State): By completing 4 semesters of sequential Georgetown undergraduate language courses in a single language at a 3.0 Grade Point Average. Undergraduate language courses do not count toward the 48 credit hours applicable to the graduate degree. Students who choose this option must also take an ACTFL-OPI exam to certify their level of proficiency.