You are required to have working knowledge in at least one language of the African diaspora (e.g. traditional or Creole languages, French, or Spanish). The choice of language should be related to your area of concentration and approved by the director of graduate studies.

If your native language is not English you may, with the permission of the department, either demonstrate the required proficiency in that native language or use English to meet the foreign language requirements. Proficiency in English may be demonstrated by taking the TOEFL examination.

If you want to demonstrate proficiency can do so by taking a test given by the university or by showing satisfactory completion of coursework with a grade of B or above. Consideration will be given to prior language training and current academic interests. Emphasis will be placed on a clear connection among the research area, the site of research abroad, and language skills.