World Languages Course Sequence
No credit is allowed for completing a less advanced course after successful completion (C-or better) of a more advanced course in the world languages. This applies only to lower division world language courses, not upper division courses.
If you have any questions related to world language course sequence enrollment, please contact your academic advisor.
UC Merced Language Placement Exams
The language placement exam is a tool to help students determine the appropriate level at which to enroll in a world language course. They are not intended for Heritage speakers of the language or to satisfy academic requirements. Currently, exams are available for French and Spanish; students wishing to enroll in Chinese or Japanese courses above level 1 should contact the world language faculty teaching the course.
Placement exams can only be taken once. It must be taken before enrolling for the first time in one course of the world language the student wishes to study at UC Merced. The UC Merced Language Placement exam is not designed for Spanish Heritage speakers.
Students who wish to use language placement exams to fulfill requirements in SSHA (such as GE or major) must seek approval from SSHA.
Non-Heritage Speakers Who Have Not Taken College-Level Language Courses
| May Take: | With These High School-Level Language Courses: | With This Advanced Placement Score: | With This UC Merced Language Placement Exam Score: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 1 to 2 Years | 1 or below | 265 or below |
| Level 2 | 2 to 3 Years | 2 | 266 - 330 |
| Level 3 | 3 to 4 Years | 3 | 331 - 411 |
| Level 4 | 4 Years | 4 | 412 - 484 |
| Upper Division | N/A | 5 | N/A |
Heritage Speakers Who Have Not Taken College-Level Language Courses (SPANISH ONLY)
| May Take: | With These High School-Level Language Courses: | With This Advanced Placement Score: | With This UC Merced Language Placement Exam Score: |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPAN 10 | 4 Years or Less of Regular Spanish Courses | 3 or below | N/A |
| SPAN 11 | 2 Years of a Spanish for Heritage Speakers Course | 4 | N/A |
| Upper Division | Contact Director of Student Services or World Language Coordinator for placement | 5 | N/A |
Note: Placement must be based only on score reports and/or transcripts, not on self-reported information.
Spanish Heritage Speakers
Spanish heritage speakers cannot automatically register for upper division Spanish courses. They must satisfy the course pre-requisites or have permission of the instructor.
The UC Merced Language Placement exam is not designed for Spanish Heritage speakers. In order to register in a Spanish upper division course, students should have a score of 5 on the AP Spanish Language Test or have taken two years of Spanish for Heritage Speakers in High School. Otherwise, students must complete SPAN 10 and 11 or obtain permission of the instructor.
Transfer Coursework
Due to differences in curriculum from institution to institution, it is recommended that students take the placement exam or consult a world language instructor for appropriate placement.
