Updated May 7, 2025
Learning Languages at SCU
You can learn nine different languages at Santa Clara University!
SCU values second language education because there is no better way to understand a culture than to learn its language. For that reason, students need to demonstrate a specific degree of proficiency in a second language as part of their Core Curriculum education.
Pro tip: Start language in your first year at SCU if possible, but no later than your second year at SCU. The sooner you start, the more you will benefit from learning a second language.
Languages Offered
Modern Languages: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish
Ancient Languages: Ancient Greek*, Latin
You can improve your skills with a language you have already begun learning or start a new language you've always wanted to learn. You can pick a language that suits your academic, professional, and personal goals.
*Completing the introductory sequence of Ancient Greek also satisfies the RTC 2 requirement in the Core Curriculum.
Proficiency Requirement
| Major | Minimum Level of Proficiency |
|---|---|
| Any Arts Degree | third quarter of elementary level |
| Any Business Degree | second quarter of elementary level |
| Any Engineering Degree | two years of high school language |
| Any Humanities Degree | third quarter of elementary level |
| Math or Computer Science | second quarter of elementary level |
| Any Natural Science Degree | second quarter of elementary level |
| Any Social Science Degree | third quarter of elementary level |
Placement Process
If you haven’t demonstrated the needed degree of proficiency in a second language when you were admitted through Advanced Placement or other testing, you can demonstrate your proficiency by taking language courses.
- Placement Process for Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, or Spanish
- Placement Process for Latin or Ancient Greek
Students with exceptional proficiency not documented by Advanced Placement testing or transfer credit, may be eligible for language proficiency testing.
Deadline
The language placement process should ideally be completed by June 29 or at least 3 weeks prior to your Academic Advising & Course Enrollment session.
Please note that a placement recommendation is required prior to enrolling in your first Modern Languages & Literatures course.
Questions?
Stop by the Second Language table at the Resource Fair during the lunch period on Day 1 of your Orientation session! Alternatively, feel free to reach out to the contacts listed below.
Contact: Kari Craighead, kcraighead@scu.edu
Department of Modern Languages & Literatures, 408-554-4049
Contact: Heidi Elmore, helmore@scu.edu
Department of Classics, 408-554-5248