How can I meet my Core Language Competency Requirement?
You can meet your Core Language Competency Requirement by demonstrating linguistic proficiency in a modern or classical language. You can do this one of three ways:
You can meet your language requirement by taking and passing (C- or above) a 4-credit language class at Wheaton at the Intermediate level, i.e. 201, or above. We offer classes in Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Latin, and Spanish.
- Take a placement test to confirm which class is right for you.
- All language classes that prepare you to meet competency must be taken for credit and not as pass/fail.
You can meet the language competency requirement by transferring in one intermediate or upper-division language semester course that you passed (C- or above) at a four-year accredited college or university. Or, you can do so by transferring in two intermediate-level semester courses that you passed (C- or above) at a two-year college.
- We do not accept credit from online modern language courses.
- Courses taken abroad will be considered on a case-by-case basis and need prior approval from the Dept. of Modern and Classical Languages.
- We will accept four credit hours from an intermediate-level dual enrollment course if it’s validated by an official Language Testing International OPI or OPIc test that is proctored by the Dept. of Modern and Classical Languages at Wheaton. Credit is given only for ratings of “Intermediate Mid” or higher.
- Complete this form and send to Academic Advising course approval before enrolling in a course.
You may demonstrate language competency via standardized test score.
Modern Languages
French, German, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish: Students who submit test scores from the following list can satisfy Wheaton’s core language requirement and receive course credit.
|
Language Test Score |
Course Credit Received |
Competency Met? |
|
AP = 3 |
4 hours (201) |
yes |
|
AP = 4,5 |
8 hours (201 + upper-division course) |
yes |
|
IB (HL) = 4,5 |
4 hours (201) |
yes |
|
IB (HL) = 6,7 |
8 hours (201 + upper-division course) |
yes |
|
SAT Subject Test = 580-639 |
4 hours (201) |
yes |
|
SAT Subject Test = 640 or above |
8 hours (201 + upper-division course) |
yes |
|
OPI = Intermediate-Mid |
4 hours (201) |
yes |
|
OPI = Intermediate-High |
8 hours (201 + upper-division course) |
yes |
|
Avant Stamp 4S = 5 Intermediate Mid |
4 hours (201) |
yes |
|
Avant Stamp 4S = 6 Intermediate Mid |
8 hours (201 + upper-division course) |
yes |
|
IL State Seal of Biliteracy |
8 hours (201 + upper-division course) |
yes |
Modern languages not offered at Wheaton: You may attempt to demonstrate proficiency in a modern language by taking a Language Testing International OPI or OPIc test that is proctored by staff from the Dept. of Modern and Classical Languages. You may attempt the test only once and must complete it before the end of your first year at Wheaton. To receive credit, you need to score at the Intermediate-Mid level or above.
Complete this application to take an OPI exam. Exams are $108 - $168.
Classical Languages
Ancient Greek, Classical Hebrew, and Latin: Students of these languages who pass a Competency Exam in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages at Wheaton will fulfill the language competency requirement. The exam must be completed by the end of your first year after matriculation at Wheaton. You may attempt the test only once.
Latin: Students who earned the following scores in Latin should refer to this chart for options for course credit and language competency fulfillment.
|
Latin |
||
|
Language Test Score |
Course Credit Received |
Competency Requirement Met? |
|
AP = 3 |
4 hours (102) |
no |
|
AP = 4,5 |
8 hours (201 + upper-division course) |
yes |
|
IB (HL) = 4 |
4 hours (102) |
no |
|
IB (HL) = 5,6,7 |
8 hours (201 + upper-division course) |
yes |
|
SAT Subject Test = 580-639 |
4 hours (102) |
no |
|
SAT Subject Test = 640 or above |
8 hours (201 + upper-division course) |
yes |
|
IL State Seal of Biliteracy |
8 hours (201 + upper-division course) |
yes |
If you are looking for language competency requirements from prior years, please consult the Core Language Requirement Archives.
- International students (non-native speakers of English) who have fulfilled English proficiency requirements for admission.
- Students whose entire high school curriculum (all written and oral instruction in every subject), was completed in a language other than English. Transcript validation required.
- Course substitutions for the MCL Language Competency Requirement will be considered for students who have disabilities which affect their ability to learn a second or foreign language. Please initiate an accommodation request through the Learning and Accessibility Services office here or reach out to las@wheaton.edu with any questions.
Language Competency Exemption Petition- if you are an international student or completed high school in a langauge other than English, please be sure you understand the requirement and complete this form. Members of the Language Competency Committee will evaluate your petition and get back to you with your results usually within the week.