Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages

Catalog Year 2025-2026

Based on VCCS Curriculum for WORLD LANGUAGES

Transfer Guidance

Transfer Admission Requirements

• Transfer applicants must present a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

• Prior to applying, VCCS applicants must complete an English composition equivalent to ENGH 101 (ENG 112). Students may provide secondary school coursework or test scores demonstrating English language proficiency.

• Prior to applying, VCCS applicants must complete a college-level math course.

• GAA applicants must present a minimum 2.85 cumulative GPA. For more information about Guaranteed Admission Agreement Requirements, visit: https://www.vccs.edu/transfer-programs/

Important Links & Dates

• Office of Transfer Services: https://www.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now/how-apply/transfer/office-transfer-services

• Admission Application: By Oct 1 or March 1 at https://www.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now

• Financial Aid: https://www.gmu.edu/financial-aid

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: March 15 for Fall admission and November 1 for Spring admission at studentaid.gov

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Before transferring into the Foreign Languages program, it is recommended to take an introductory sequence in the language you wish to pursue further at George Mason. Arabic Concentration: ARA 101, ARA 102, ARA 201, ARA 202. Chinese Concentration: CHI 101, CHI 102, CHI 201, CHI 202. French Concentration: FRE 101, FRE 102, FRE 201, FRE 202. Spanish Concentration: SPA 101, SPA 102, SPA 201, SPA 202. VCCS Students taking SPA 115 will earn credit equivalent to George Mason's SPAN 102.

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and George Mason University within your first year. College Connect available in your account at www.TransferVirginia.org

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• The BA in Foreign Languages prepares students for teaching careers at the secondary school level, graduate study in languages, and research and professional work in government and private enterprise. Our department is at the center of the multilingual and global community that distinguishes George Mason. If you are looking for diverse language offerings, experienced faculty, interdisciplinary approach, multicultural engagement, research and scholarship opportunities, the B.A. in Foreign Languages is an excellent fit for you.

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Students who complete a transfer associate degree (AS, AA, AA&S, or AFA) from a Virginia Community College will receive a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower division) Mason Core general education categories. To be eligible for the waiver, students must provide the George Mason Office of Admissions with a final, official transcript reflecting the degree conferral date. As a prerequisite for ENGH 302, ENGH 101 is not waived. Students must transfer in or complete ENGH 100 or ENGH 101 at George Mason with a C or higher.

• Dual Enrollment - Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Applicants are required to apply as freshmen.

• Credit for Prior Learning: Credit by exam may be used to fulfill General Education and/or major requirements. See: https://www.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now/how-apply/transfer/transfer-credit-policy

• Catalog Year: Catalog year determined by first term of attendance at George Mason.

Is This College Right For Me?

• Located in Fairfax, Virginia, within the Washington metropolitan area, George Mason enrolls more than 28,000 undergraduate students from all 50 states and more than 130 countries in 78 in-demand majors.

• More than 4,500 new transfer students choose George Mason each year, and the university has been recognized as the most diverse in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report.

• Transfer students are welcome to live among our 7700-student residential community or off campus. The Office of Contemporary Student Services is dedicated to the support of off-campus transfers.

• 65% of George Mason students receive financial aid.

• 22 Division I men's and women's sports teams, plus club and intramural leagues, and more than 400 student organizations.

• For more information, visit: https://www.gmu.edu/transfer

• Learn more about our college at www.TransferVirginia.org

Did You Know That…

• Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?

• Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at George Mason?

• Foreign Languages majors ready themselves for an increasingly global workplace, whether that means communicating with partners abroad in international business, or speakers of languages other than English in our own US communities.

• Foreign Languages majors increase their employability and earning power through their cross-linguistic and cross-cultural knowledge.

• Foreign Languages majors enjoy the fruits of our global village by connecting more profoundly across cultures and borders.

• Foreign Languages majors enhance their skills in reading, writing and critical thinking in English, as well.

• Foreign Languages majors have improved cognitive abilities that result in measurable gains in cognition and health, including better stroke recovery and delayed onset of Alzheimer's disease.

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Foreign language study leads to many careers and can be combined with different kinds of study that lead to more still. Industries for Foreign Languages graduates include: Diplomacy, civil service, and foreign service; Intelligence and law enforcement; Business and international logistics; Legal, literary, medical, technical translation; Health; Education.

• Students who are pursuing other majors or minors along with a foreign language major or minor can find career specific resources by industries at https://careers.gmu.edu/career-specific-resources.

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org

Program Successes & Highlights

• Our program curricula are exceptional in meeting national and international market needs for graduating students with expertise and competency in foreign languages. Our teaching methodologies are distinguished in synthesizing different approaches to foreign language acquisition and embracing a student-centric learning environment. Our faculty have embraced online teaching in various modalities, delivering courses that are listed as part of the George Mason online campus. Some major concentration programs can now be completed fully online.

Do More With Your Degree!

• Choosing a second major or a minor can significantly enhance the value of a Foreign Languages degree. It broadens career opportunities, deepens knowledge in complementary disciplines, and boosts employability. GMU offers various opportunities for Foreign Language majors to enhance their educational experience through double majors, specialized minors, accelerated master's degrees, and other valuable programs, such as Global Affairs, Education, Linguistics, International Business, International Relationships, etc.

• GMU also offers numerous study abroad programs tailored for Foreign Language students, providing immersive cultural and linguistic experiences essential for language proficiency. Students with international experience have a career advantage, and George Mason Nation extends from our campuses in Virginia and Korea to Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and Australia. If you want to be a world scholar, the Global Education Office will make it happen.