Language in the Degree Programs

There are no beginning language classes in the graduate programs (for beginning classes, please see our Intensive Language Programs) nor is there any study of literature for its own sake.  Instead, the language courses are typically content-based, which means that they focus on professionally-relevant content areas, such as politics, business, policy, environment, and social issues.  It is by reading about, conducting research in, and discussing these areas that students develop and improve upon their language and analytical skills. Another unique feature of our program is that professors do not design courses around a textbook, but rather utilize authentic articles and materials, which reflect the contemporary realities of our world and languages.

We are renowned for our special Monterey Model courses, which are taught simultaneously in multiple language sections. These sections may focus on a topic such as Challenges of Globalization, Issues in the European Union, or Green Business (to name just a few), which each group explores from their own language and cultural perspective during the semester.  At one or two points during the semester, all languages will meet in plenary sessions (interpreted by students in our Conference Interpretation program) to share their findings.

Languages offered in the International Policy and Management degree programs include Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Russian, Spanish.  If your prior language study has been in a different language, we may be able to accommodate your language studies in an additional language.  Please contact us at languages@miis.edu to discuss this possibility.

Diagnostic Tests

If you are interested in self-assessing your language proficiency level to determine whether or not you meet the general requirements of the Language Studies Program, you may take a diagnostic test in one of the six languages offered in the graduate schools (non-native speakers of English are required to show TOEFL or IELTS scores). These diagnostic tests are solely for the purpose of estimating your level prior to placement. You will still be required to take a placement test before being accepted into the Language Studies Program. If you find your foreign language skills are not quite at the level you need for placement into the graduate programs, you may want to contact the Summer Intensive Language Program office for information.  

Arabic Diagnostic Test	Japanese Diagnostic Test
Chinese Diagnostic Test	Russian Diagnostic Test
French Diagnostic Test	Spanish Diagnostic Test