World Languages Advantage, Certificate
Proficiency in a world language naturally enhances a variety of personal and professional opportunities. The World Languages Advantage (WLA) Certificate is an excellent way to develop and document such language proficiency. The Certificate signals that you embrace your global citizenship and is invaluable in the ever-expanding global marketplace of careers.
There are seven different WLA Certificate tracks to choose from.
Each WLA Certificate track consists of a five-course sequence that includes a 3XX-level capstone. In order to be awarded the Certificate, you must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.00 and a minimum language specific GPA of 2.66 throughout the entire course sequence. You may transfer in some language credits, upon approval, but must complete at least two courses in the sequence at Buffalo State, including one 3XX-level course. Applying outside course equivalents or credits by examination (e.g., CLEP, IB, etc.) to the certificate is subject to departmental approval and may, in some cases, require a proficiency interview.
The four main tracks in the WLA Certificate target ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) Intermediate-level proficiency, which is a baseline for workplace competence in a second language. The skills you will learn include being able to talk about your daily life; asking and answering simple questions about what is going on around you; and speaking with native language speakers who are used to speaking with non-native speakers.
Within the World Languages Advantage Certificate there are three specialized ‘languages for specific purposes’ tracks that target ACTFL Advanced-level proficiency and specific career paths: Professional French, Professional Spanish, and Spanish Court Interpreting. The skills you will learn with these include being able to discuss autobiographical topics as well as topics of community, national, or international interest; being able to recognize and use the vocabulary of specific career paths; handling conversations that arise from unexpected situations; and speaking with native language speakers, even if they are not used to speaking with non-native speakers.
Even if you do not directly enroll in these three specialized tracks, from the 202-level onward, you can expect opportunities to engage with your language of specialization in contemporary professional settings.
Intakes
- Jan
- May
- Aug
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Buffalo State is one of the largest comprehensive schools in the State University of New York system. As a civically minded, urban-engaged campus community located in the city’s cultural corridor, Buffalo State prides itself as having smaller learning environments coupled with larger university opportunities. Boasting a diverse and inclusive campus, Buffalo State is committed to the intellectual, personal, and professional growth of its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The school’s mission is to deliver a broad array of high-quality and distinctive academic programs infused with diversity, creativity, and hands-on learning opportunities for hardworking students who seek a personalized and affordable education that engages their minds and advances their careers. Buffalo State is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, service, scholarship, creative activity, and cultural enrichment. With degree programs in education, the arts, science, arts and humanities, and professional studies, each year over 6,000 students choose Buffalo State. Buffalo State welcomes applicants who are committed to helping us fulfill our mission.
Buffalo State offers competitive salaries and benefits including health, dental and vision insurance, vacation and sick leave, holiday pay, retirements plans, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts.
PSW Opportunity
Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.
Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).
STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.
Contact our PSA counselor for more information
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
Authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students, we accept students who meet these requirements:
Completed the equivalent of 12 years of elementary and secondary education
Provide evidence of proficiency in the English language utilizing any of these tests:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum score of 61 iBT (Internet-based test). To request your official TOEFL score to be sent to Buffalo State, please use our code 2533 when completing the TOEFL registration materials.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS). We require a minimum band score of 5.5 on the IELTS exam.
- International Test of English Proficiency (iTEP). We require an iTEP Academic score of 3.5.
- Duolingo English Test. We require a Duolingo English Test score of 90.
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English). We require a PTE Academic score of 44.
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Under Graduate Diploma or Certificate
- Duration: 06 Month
-
Total Tuition Fee:
19662 USD
Average Cost of Living: 14000 USD /year
Application Fee: 50 USD