Second Language Requirement
MIAGE students must achieve advanced proficiency (a second-year equivalency) in a second language before graduating from the program. This requirement may be satisfied in any of the ways listed on this page. To finalize this requirement, students must complete, sign, and submit the Graduate Language Verification Form with attached documentation (linked below).
MIAGE students are expected to submit the Language Proficiency Plan during their first semester to ensure timely progress toward meeting the second language requirement. This process helps students to plan appropriately, especially if they need multiple semesters of coursework to reach proficiency. Students will not be able to apply for graduation until this requirement is completed. For further information, please see the MIAGE Handbook.
Language Requirement Options
Submit Previous Language Courses
Concurrently Enroll in Language Courses
Take a Language Placement Test
Be a Native Speaker of a Foreign Language
Advanced Language Proficiency Plan
Additional Resources
Submit Previous Language Courses
Submit undergraduate or graduate transcripts showing a B or better grade for a foreign language at the 2020 (intermediate) level or higher, or the equivalent at another institution. This does not need to be submitted until after a student has been accepted to the program. The grade must have been received within six years of your admission to the MIAGE program. Students must include school transcripts as documented proof (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).
Concurrently Enroll in Language Courses
You may take language classes on campus while you are doing MIAGE studies. We will require a B or better grade at the 2020* level to fulfill the language requirement.
- Look through the course catalogs for a language class you would like to take.
- Before registering, email wlcgraduatestudies@utah.edu to request to have a 7300 course number opened for you, which will be cross-listed with the undergraduate course you will attend. Courses will be opened per request and will be permission coded so that other graduate students do not register for 7300 numbers that are not for them.
- After you receive the permission code, register for ONE credit under course number 7300, as instructed by the language department.
*Please note that languages classes below the 3000 level may not be taken as MIAGE electives. Language courses over the 3000 level taken as part of the Language and Culture certificate may be taken as MIAGE electives.
Take a Language Placement Test
One of the following language tests taken within the past six years may demonstrate language proficiency. Students must include test results as documented proof. The certificate issued should show that you place in a 3000-level or higher.
- Department of Languages and Literature Placement Test
- Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)
- MLA (Modern Language Assessment Test): Given at the U of U Testing Center
- FLATS Foreign Language Achievement Testing Service) through BYU; can be administered at U of U Testing Center
- Major Department Exam: Pass a foreign language examination designed by the major department in consultation with the Department of Languages and Literature. Any foreign language examination designed by the major department must be approved by the Department of Languages and Literature prior to administering the exam to a student. Once a department has designed an exam, the exam needs to be sent to the Department of Languages and Literature. Please allow the Department of Languages and Literature up to one week for faculty to provide feedback. Any exam not cleared by the Department of Languages and Literature before being administered to a student will not be accepted for language proficiency.
Be a Native Speaker of a Foreign Language
The MIAGE program will waive the Graduate Language Requirement if a student speaks English as a second language. Native Speakers of a language other than English must attach documented proof. One of the following forms of documentation may be used to demonstrate language proficiency.
- Visa, passport, citizenship, or residency card from native country
- Diploma from a foreign high school or university
- The country's official language must be the same as the student's native language to use this option. If you are bilingual or spoke a second language at home in an English-speaking country, you must demonstrate proficiency through advanced classes or a foreign language examination.