Foreign Language Courses

Proficiency in a language other than English is required for graduation from SIPA. Proficiency is defined as the ability to read, write and speak the language at the intermediate II level. This requirement is met in any of three ways:

• As a native speaker of a language other than English, who can also read and write that language (demonstrated by proof of higher educational credential in the language or ielts/toefl);
• By passing a language proficiency exam (administered by SIPA or individual department by individual arrangement.) These can only be taken once during your program at SIPA;
• By achieving a grade of B or better in an Intermediate Level II (4th semester) language course at Columbia.  Students may register for any language course they wish. However, Elementary-level courses cannot count toward the SIPA degree requirements of 54 credits, while Intermediate-level courses will count as elective credits.

Please note: Elementary level language courses and 2 credit conversation courses cannot be used to fulfill the SIPA language requirement.