Foreign Language Proficiency

All MA in English students (except those in the Professional Writing and Rhetoric concentration) are required to demonstrate foreign language proficiency equal to that of Mason's 210 level.  You can meet this requirement in a number of ways:

1.  If you have completed a course equivalent to Mason's 210 level (intermediate language) in your undergraduate studies, you have met the requirement. If this applies to you, please contact the Graduate Academic Coordinator so that the appropriate paperwork can be filed.

2.  You can take foreign language classes at George Mason. This would require you to take a placement test through the Modern and Classical Languages department. See the department website for details about placement testing and the languages taught by Modern and Classical Languages. Placement exams are used to move entering students into the correct level of language study. At George Mason, completing a language course numbered 210 or higher would fulfill the language requirement.

3. The placement exam through MCL can also be used to fulfill the requirement. If a student places into a course that is higher than 210, we can consider that a fulfillment of the foreign language requirement. Documentation of the placement exam and the results must be given to the Graduate Academic Coordinator.

4.  You can take classes at another university or community college. Coursework taken at another institution must be equivalent to Mason's 210 level (intermediate language).  This may require you to take up to two semesters of an elementary language and two semesters of an intermediate language. At Northern Virginia Community College, completing a language course numbered 202 or higher would fulfill the requirement. If you have taken or intend to take courses at another University, please contact the Graduate Academic Coordinator.

5.  If you earned a bachelor's degree from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Mason, you have already met the requirement. If this applies to you, please contact the Graduate Academic Coordinator so the appropriate paperwork can be filed.