First-Year Experience

We support undergraduates as they work to complete their Common Curriculum language requirements. From placement testing and first-year language courses to tutoring and advising, we help students navigate their language-learning needs. You have a choice of 9 languages to fulfill your language requirement at the University of Denver: Arabic, Chinese, Italian, French, German, Hebrew, Japanese, Spanish, or Russian.

Need Tutoring? Our tutors are here to help!

See our Tutors

Common Curriculum Language Requirement

The Common Curriculum requires that undergraduate students complete the elementary sequence of a language or take one four-credit course at their level if they place beyond the elementary sequence. The courses required to complete the common curriculum are determined by the CWLC's Language Placement Testing. IB and AP scores do not fulfill placement testing requirements.

If you are pursuing a BFA, BSCpE, BSEE or BSME, you are exempt from the language requirement. Students pursing a bachelor's of music may choose between between eight credits in one foreign language or eight credits in Scientific Inquiry: The Natural and Physical World (SI). If you choose a language you have previously studied, you will need to take the placement test. If you are enrolled in a degree with one of these exemptions, please consult your major advisor for any questions about the language requirement.

Getting Started

Language Placement Testing

First-Year students who will be continuing in a language they have already studied will take the placement test to determine which courses they need to complete their language requirement.

Take the Test

Available Languages

See what languages are available at DU and find the one that interests you the most.

Explore Languages

Choose a Major or Minor with a Language Component

Want to major in a language? Interesting in learning about other cultures in an interdisciplinary setting? Find your passion in the following programs.