High School Language Levels
The language requirement consists of completion of a foreign language through the 201 level or demonstrated proficiency at that level. Proficiency, the number of courses needed to complete the requirement, and course placement, are determined by previous experience as follows:
- completion of level 4 or higher of a language in high school (see table below) OR
- corresponding AP, IB or CLEP credit (see Appendix II, Undergraduate Catalog), OR
- completion of a language through the 201 level at a regionally accredited college/university
Students may not enroll in language courses below their appropriate placement level without authorization from the Department of Modern Languages, Linguistics, and Intercultural Communication (MLLI). Students who are heritage speakers of a language taught at UMBC (other than English) or students who have had education abroad in a language taught at UMBC (other than English) should consult the coordinator of the particular language area about the appropriate language level. Students who have had a three-year hiatus in language study can drop one level from their appropriate placement level but need to contact the course instructor or coordinator for that language area to get permission to enroll.
Maryland students who earned a Maryland Seal of Biliteracy can apply for L201 equivalency. Click here to complete the application (you must be in your UMBC account to do this).
International students or students with international education who have had middle-school education (at least 6th grade and above) in their native/heritage language can apply for L201 equivalency. Click here for more information.
Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
For more information, go to http://catalog.umbc.edu/content.php?catoid=15&navoid=768.