Language Certificates

• Study of a FCCWL language for at least 4 levels over at least 3 semesters
• Each course completed with a grade of B or better
• Up to 2 semesters of language study abroad or summers of intensive language study may be counted with approval of the Program Director

Certificates are issued at four levels of accomplishment:

• Certificate of Foundational Achievement for completion through level IV or V
• Certificate of Intermediate Achievement for completion through level VI
• Certificate of High Intermediate Achievement for completion through level VII
• Certificate of Advanced Achievement for completion through level VIII

Students who meet the eligibility requirements above may be awarded a higher level of certificate based on their performance in the final course evaluation, at the discretion of the program director.

Other exceptions: 

American Sign Language
Students who began studying ASL after fall 2020 and meet the eligibility requirements above may earn:

• Certificate of Advanced Achievement for completion through Advanced B

Arabic dialects
Students of Arabic dialects who meet the eligibility requirements above may earn:

• Certificate of High Intermediate Achievement for completion through level IV
• Certificate of Advanced Achievement for completion through level V or higher

Certificates are issued on a rolling basis. Students may earn multiple certificates over their academic careers. To apply, complete the application form and and email it to your course organizer at the end of the semester when a given level is reached.

Note that certificates are issued directly by FCCWL and will not be listed on a student's official academic transcript.

1. Language study
   • Study of a FCCWL language for at least 6 levels over at least 4 semesters, including at least 1 semester during the student’s senior year
   • Each course completed with a grade of B or better
   • Up to 2 semesters of language study abroad or summers of intensive language study may be counted with approval of the Program Director 
2. Related coursework and/or special projects
   • Completion of two academic courses or special projects that provide context for study of the language, approved by the Program Director 
   • Relevant courses may be related to: 
     • A region of the world or a population in which the language is extensively used
     • Diaspora, immigrant, or other cultural settings in which the language is used
     • International studies, global studies, or international relations
     • Linguistics, theories of language, or social-scientific approaches to the study of language and communication
     • Translation studies
     • Language and cultural education, second language learning, or Teaching of English as a Second Language
     • Another language that is spoken in the same context as the FCCWL language or is closely related linguistically
     • Etc.
   • Special projects may be: 
     • A major paper or project from an upper-level course for which the student was able to focus on a country where the language is used or a population that uses the language, or use primary sources in the language
     • An internship or significant volunteer work in a setting where the language is used
     • Research fieldwork in a setting where the language is used
     • A creative writing, translation, or artistic project that makes significant use of the language
     • Etc.

Certificates are issued at two levels of accomplishment:

• Certificate of Specialization: Intermediate Level for completion through level VI or VII
• Certificate of Specialization: Advanced Level for completion through level VIII or above

Students who meet the eligibility requirements above may be awarded a higher level of certificate based on their performance in the final course evaluation, at the discretion of the Program Director.

Students interested in a Certificate of Specialization should schedule an advising appointment with the Program Director as early as possible in their academic career and no later than the beginning of their final semester. Email us or call 413-542-5264 to schedule an appointment.

Note that certificates are issued directly by FCCWL and will not be noted on a student’s official academic transcript.