Language Placement Advice

To earn a bachelor of arts (BA) degree at PSU, you need the equivalent of two years of college-level language. Typically, that is through 203 level of a language. Depending on your background, you may need six courses (101-203) or you may be able to test out of the language. Use the guides below to learn how to determine what amount of language you need.

Note: If you graduated from an Oregon high school and did not pass two years of language with C- or higher, you will need through 102 level, even if you are completing a bachelor of science (BS) degree.

You want to learn a new language

Portland State offers many different languages! This is an excellent opportunity to learn a new language. A few things to note when starting a new language:

To earn your BA, you need to get to 203. This is a total of six classes (101, 102, 103, 201, 202, 203).
Most language sequences begin only in fall, so start this term or plan to wait until next fall. Spanish 101 is usually offered every term, including summer.

Take 101

You have taken a language, but don't have college credit

If you took language in high school or another educational setting, but do not have college credit, or if it has been a long time since you took language, you should take a placement test. A few things to note when continuing a language:

One year of high school language typically covers what is taught in one term of college-level language.
Most language sequences begin only in fall, so if you are ready for 102/202, that will be taught in winter and 103/203 will be offered in spring. Spanish 102/202 and 103/203 are offered in fall term.

Take a placement test

You have college credit for a language

Whether you completed language credit at another university or through AP/IB, you can begin with the next in the sequence. Be sure PSU has that transcript on record. A few things to note when continuing a language:

If you have credit for 203 or a 300-level language, you do not need to continue, if you don't want to.
Most language sequences begin only in fall, so if you are ready for 102/202, that will be taught in winter and 103/203 will be offered in spring. Spanish 102/202 and 103/203 are offered in fall term.
If you aren't sure, or if it has been a long time since you took it, you can take a placement test.

Take the next in sequence

You have language background, but not for college credit

Whether English is not your first language or you learned a language in another setting, you may be able to demonstrate proficiency in other ways, either earning college credit for your prior learning or waiving the language requirement. Talk with your advisor about your options and/or review the World Languages and Literatures information online.

Demonstrate proficiency