Foreign Language and CORE Requirements

CMDI World Language Requirement Update Effective Fall 2026

Update:

The CMDI Undergraduate Curriculum Committee has approved a change to the World Language Requirement that will take effect in Fall 2026.  

Based on student feedback and faculty discussions, CMDI students will no longer be required to complete third-level world language proficiency in a single modern or classical foreign language as part of their CMDI CORE degree requirements. If students are pursuing a dual degree with a major outside of CMDI, foreign language may still be required. Students need to work with their academic advisor(s) to determine their academic plan.

Faculty continue to view foreign language proficiency as a valuable skill for post-graduation opportunities, and interested students are still encouraged to pursue language coursework.

If students have already completed foreign language courses, those credits will apply toward students’ degree requirements through elective coursework, so course progress remains beneficial.

If students have not yet completed the World Language requirement, they need to fill out this form.

Form Link   

The World Language requirement will show as waived in students’ degree audits by the first day of classes for the Spring 2027 semester, January 7. For students graduating in Fall 2026, degree audits will be updated before the end of the fall semester to ensure graduation eligibility.

Students may begin adjusting their Fall 2026 schedule starting July 21 when class registration re-opens for continuing students.  Please see the FAQs below for more information. 

 

FAQs

The change was approved by the CMDI Undergraduate Curriculum Committee following review of the curriculum and degree requirements, as well as consideration of student feedback and evolving academic needs. 

You can review your degree audit on Buff Portal. If your degree audit shows a red X next to the language requirement or if you are enrolled in the third semester of the language to complete the requirement, please fill out the form below.

No. 120 total credits are still required for graduation. 

Possibly. While CMDI degree requirements have been updated, each college and school maintain their own degree requirements. This update only applies to CMDI degree requirements. Students should work closely with their academic advisor(s) to determine any additional requirements that may apply to their academic plan.

No. Faculty continue to consider foreign language proficiency a strong asset for students after graduation, including career opportunities, graduate study and global communication. 

Students are encouraged to continue if they are interested in language learning or if the coursework supports their personal, academic or professional goals. Students may also consider dropping their foreign language courses if preferred. 

Those courses count toward your degree as elective credits. Completing language coursework remains a meaningful academic achievement and can strengthen your resume and skill set. 

Curriculum decisions are determined through faculty governance processes, and academic advisors provide guidance based on the degree requirements and policies currently in effect for the catalog year students entered the university. Historically, CORE requirements such as the World Language requirement have remained fixed for continuing students. The faculty, however, decided to apply the change to all CMDI students, including continuing students. This update reflects the newly approved curriculum change by faculty.

Yes. All successfully completed coursework will remain on your academic transcript. 

Degree audits are expected to reflect the updated requirement after the Fall 2026 semester. 

Yes. Students may adjust summer enrollment according to the updated requirement, though it may take time for audits and systems to fully reflect the change. Visit the Registrar’s website to see the summer deadlines to drop a course. 

Class registration for continuing students is closed May 21-July 20 to allow for incoming students to register. Class registration for continuing students will re-open on July 21, 2026, which is when adjustments to your fall schedule can be made. 

The updated requirement begins in Fall 2026 and applies to current and incoming students. 

No additional curriculum changes are expected at this time. Any change would need to be approved by the faculty in the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee.

Please contact your academic advisor for guidance related to your degree plan, graduation requirements or course scheduling.