Foreign Language Proficiency

Students must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. This requirement helps students develop communication skills, cultural awareness, and a broader understanding of the world while preparing them to engage in an increasingly global society.

For most students, proficiency is demonstrated through successful completion of a 213-level language course or its equivalent.

First-Year Students

You may satisfy this requirement by any of the following:

  1. Completing one language in high school through the third level with a grade of C or higher
  2. Scoring at least 600 on the CEEB Foreign Language Achievement test
  3. Scoring a 4 or 5 on a foreign language or literature Advanced Placement exam
  4. Transferring college-level coursework through the intermediate level (per University-sponsored articulation agreements)
  5. CLEP — Registrar's approval required
  6. Petitioning for independent examination of competency through the Foreign Languages and Classics Department
  7. Completing Batten University's 111/112/213 language course sequence

Transfer Students

Transfer students entering with more than 60 credit hours of collegiate work may satisfy this requirement, if not already met, by completing Batten University's 111/112 course sequence.

Evening and Weekend Program Students

Evening and Weekend Program students may satisfy this requirement, if not already met, by:

  • Completing one language in high school through the second level with a final grade of C or higher
  • Completing a course offered by the Foreign Languages and Classics department emphasizing linguistics and cultural understanding

International Students

Students from the Jane P. Batten and David R. Black School for International Studies (Lakeland Japan) or other international students may satisfy this requirement, if not already met, by:

  • Demonstrating native fluency in a language other than English combined with a TOEFL score of at least 550 (written) or 80 (internet-based), or an IELTS score of 6.5
  • Lakeland University Japan / Batten University Global students may also fulfill this requirement through a combination of fluency in a language other than English and successful completion of EFL 412, 422, and 424 with a grade of at least C while enrolled in the English for Academic Purposes Program