All new students with previous experience in Spanish are required to take the online placement exam, found within the GoWMU portal, to determine the first Spanish class in which they should enroll at Western Michigan University.
Students may receive retroactive credits for four hours for Intermediate Spanish I (SPAN 2000) or four hours for Intermediate Spanish II (SPAN 2010) by completing one or more advanced courses with a grade of C or better. When such coursework is completed in residency, the retroactive credits for SPAN 2000 and SPAN 2010 may also be considered "in residence."
A student who places into SPAN 2010 will receive four hours of retroactive credit for SPAN 2000 by taking SPAN 2010 and receiving a grade of C or better in that course. This student would thus receive four hours of credit for 2010 (the course taken) and four hours of retroactive credit for 2000 (the course passed over).
A student who places at the 3000 level will receive four hours of retroactive credit for SPAN 2000 by taking either SPAN 3160 or 3170 and receiving a grade of C or better in that course. This student may receive an additional four hours of retroactive credit for SPAN 2010 by taking the remaining 3000-level course (3160 or 3170) and receiving a grade of C or better in that course.
No retroactive credit is granted for 1000-level courses.
Fees: In accordance with University policy, a fee of $100 is charged for each four-hour course for which a student receives retroactive credit.
Native or heritage speakers of Spanish may also receive a maximum of eight hours of retroactive credits by taking advanced courses in Spanish (3000-level and above). These students must speak to one of the undergraduate advisors before registering for classes. The advisor will determine what courses they should or should not take. By completing one advanced class and receiving the grade of C or better, they will receive four credits. If they complete two courses with a C or better they will receive eight hours. They must pay a fee of $100 for each four-hour course for which they receive retroactive credit.
AP/IB/CLEP Credit in Spanish
Students who take the Advanced Placement Exam, the International Baccalaureate Exam, or the College Level Examination Program in Spanish may be able to receive credit for select Spanish courses without charge or by paying the $100 fee. Please see full information at https://wmich.edu/spanish/ap-ib-clep-credit.
Students should come to the Department of Spanish and meet with an academic advisor to process any retroactive credits.