Jan 20, 2026  
2025-2026 University Catalog 
    
2025-2026 University Catalog

College of Science Core: Language and Culture

Location(s): West Lafayette


Curricular Outcome: Demonstrated breadth of knowledge and cultural appreciation.

College of Science students are expected to develop an understanding of at least one other culture in addition to their own through learning a language, taking culture courses, or participating in an approved Study Abroad experience.

This nine-credit core requirement is met by satisfaction of one of multiple course and experiential options which are dictated by a student’s catalog term.

Requirement Options


This nine-credit core requirement is satisfied by the completion of one of the following options:

Option 1


  • An approved two-course foreign language sequence, and one (1) approved Culture course from the Culture Course List.

Option 2


  • One (1) approved foreign language course, one (1) approved Culture Course, and an approved short-term study abroad program (minimum eight (8) days containing a minimum 3-credit course and significant immersion in the local culture). See your Academic Advisor for more information.

Option 3


  • Three (3) approved Culture courses from the Culture Course List.
    • Course selections must enhance a student’s understanding and appreciation of other cultures.
    • Selections must be made from the approved Culture Course List.
    • Course selections must build upon one another and deepen a student’s understanding of a culture or an aspect of multiple cultures.
    • Courses may be chosen from different subject matter areas or may be within one subject area. If one subject is chosen, courses must build a student’s knowledge of a culture.
    • Only one 10000-level course may be used the meet requirement. A combination of 20000, 30000 and 40000 will be used to complete the requirement.

Option 4


  • Once approved, a non-credit waiver applies to a student’s degree audit, and six (6) credits are available for elective coursework to meet the minimum 120-credit hour degree requirement. See your Academic Advisor for more information.

Option 5


  • Foreign Language and Culture Requirement Waiver. Students may be approved a full or partial waiver based on their catalog term. Pre-Fall 2023 catalog term students will receive a full waiver. Fall 2023 and forward catalog term students will receive a partial waiver and be required to complete aa approved culture course from the approved course list.
    • International Students. Students meet the intent of the Foreign Language and Culture requirement through their international experience at Purdue University and completion of one (1) approved Culture course from the Culture Course List. A non-credit partial waiver is applied to a student’s degree audit (mPP), and six (6) credits become elective coursework to meet the minimum 120-credit hour degree requirement.
    • Domestic Students with international experience. Students may meet the intent of the Foreign Language and Culture requirement through their domestic international experience and completion of one (1) approved Culture course from the Culture Course List. Students who have, through family and community, experienced a culture in addition to American culture may be eligible for a partial waiver of the Foreign Language and Culture requirement. Interested students should consult with their advisor. If recommended, students will contact scienceadvising@purdue.edu to schedule an interview. If approved, a non-credit waiver is applied to a student’s degree audit (mPP), and six (6) credits become elective coursework to meet the minimum 120-credit hour degree requirement.

Curriculum Note


  • An approved culture course may meet only one of the outlined requirements in an option.
  • Courses taken to meet the Foreign Language and Culture requirement may not also be used to meet the General Education or Great Issues requirements.

*Study Abroad Notes


Approval Process


Students wishing to use an approved study abroad program to meet the Foreign Language and Culture requirement are required to complete the Experiential Learning Contract process.

Scholarships


Study Abroad scholarship opportunities are available.

Earning Core Curricular Requirements through Experience


Students may meet selected core curriculum requirements through approved experiential learning opportunities. More information on earning requirements through experience.

Language and Culture Electives/Foreign Language Requirement


Culture Course List