I left high school 10 years ago and got my GED. Since then, I’ve earned quite a few community college credits for a transfer-degree to Sac State (I’m in California).
The problem is, I have no language credits since I didn’t finish high school. My community college offers language classes, and I’ve been told I need to complete two semesters to transfer. Seems like most transfer degrees require this because most students finish language requirements in high school. (Wish I could go back and tell my younger self to stick with school!)
Is there any way I can transfer and get my bachelor’s without taking a language class?
You’ve already made a huge step by getting this far! Don’t give up now! You can take the language requirement after you transfer. It’s a general education requirement that some students complete in high school, but you can definitely do it during your degree program. Keep pushing forward!
@Crystal
In California, you need two foreign language classes to go directly to a CSU or UC from high school. I’m not sure about the requirements for a GED or transferring from a community college.
At my university (large, selective in the Pacific Northwest), you need to have taken a language in high school or community college. There’s a placement test, and students can ‘test out’ if they’re proficient enough. Many still need to take a course or two for their degree.
You can enroll without language credits but will need to complete them before graduation.
Why are you hesitant about taking a language class? It can be a fun part of your education.
California is switching to a new transfer pattern called CalGETC. Language requirements are shifting, and you might not need a language to transfer, but you’ll need one to graduate from a UC or CSU.
Talk to a counselor at your community college to clarify things. They’ll help you understand how this impacts your major and transfer. You can find more details here:
NomadNerd said:
Nope, if it’s required as part of the core curriculum, there’s no way around it. Everyone has to meet those same requirements for a degree.
The original poster is talking about transferring, not completing the degree. So yes, there is a way.
A lot of people think most students finish their language credits in high school, but many schools expect you to take language classes in college, too. I had to take French as part of my general education in college. It’s a common requirement.
You’re not at a disadvantage. In fact, some colleges want you to take a different language than what you studied in high school. So, it’s just a normal part of getting a well-rounded education. You’ll have to take the language credits eventually, just like everyone else does for general ed classes.
@VAL09
In California, you don’t need to take two languages for a bachelor’s degree, that’s for advanced degrees like a master’s or PhD. I’m 100% sure of this for CSUs and UCs.
@VAL09
If you’re in California, two years of high school language classes are required to go to a CSU or UC right after high school. It seems like the rules are different for community college transfers. You might be able to fulfill the language requirement after transferring.
I’m a high school language teacher, and I continued studying French in college, so it’s not always true that you have to switch languages.