Language Certificates

Certificates from the Five College Center for World Languages demonstrate students' dedication, consistency, and achievement in language study for employment, graduate school, and fellowship applications. 

Certificates of Achievement

A Certificate of Achievement will be issued by FCCWL to any student who meets specific milestones in study of a less-commonly studied language through FCCWL.

  • 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 Director of FCCWL.

Certificates are issued directly by FCCWL and will not be noted on a student's academic transcript.

For most languages offered by FCCWL, certificates will be 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

Exceptions

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

  • Certificate of Foundational Achievement for completion through Intermediate IIIB
  • Certificate of Intermediate Achievement for completion through High Intermediate A
  • Certificate of High Intermediate Achievement for completion through High Intermediate B
  • Certificate of Advanced Achievement for completion through Advanced A or B

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

Cantonese for Mandarin Speakers
Students who meet the eligibility requirements above and complete through level IV may earn an Intermediate, High Intermediate, or Advanced certificate depending upon the results of the certified ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview taken at the end of the course.

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 or to fclang@fivecolleges.edu at the end of the semester when a given level is reached.

Certificates of Specialization

A Certificate of Specialization may be issued by FCCWL to graduating students who have made study of a language through FCCWL a significant part of their academic career.

  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 Director of FCCWL
  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 Director of FCCWL
    • 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.

For most languages, certificates will be 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

Certificates are issued directly by FCCWL and will not be noted on a student’s academic transcript.

Exceptions: 

Students of Cantonese for Mandarin Speakers, students of Arabic dialects, and students who began studying ASL after fall 2020 are not eligible for Certificates of Specialization.

Students interested in a Certificate of Specialization should schedule an advising appointment with the Director of the Five College Center for World Languages about the requirements and process of application, 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.

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Center for World Languages Staff

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