# Language Study ## expand\_more The study of languages is considered an integral part of education in theological and religious studies at HDS. HDS offers instruction in several languages and examinations in eight languages: Greek of the Roman age, Biblical Hebrew, Christian Latin, French, German, Pali, Classical Arabic, and Spanish. Students are not limited to these languages, however, and are encouraged to consider the extensive offerings of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Students are expected to address their language requirements as early in their programs as possible. ## Language Requirements for the MTS and ThM Degrees MTS and ThM students must satisfy a language competency requirement by demonstrating intermediate reading competency in a language of scholarship in theological and religious studies. Students in these programs are not limited to the eight languages examined by the School and may meet their requirement with another language, subject to the approval of the student’s academic advisor. ThM students may additionally be required to demonstrate competency in a second language based on their area of concentration and particular topic of study. The MTS and ThM language requirement can be met by completing one of the following options: - Passing a language qualifying examination administered by HDS. - Completing with a grade of B- or better the second semester of an HDS intermediate-level course in Greek, Hebrew, Pali, or Arabic, or one semester of an HDS advanced intermediate-level course in Latin. - Receiving a grade of A- or higher on the final exam in a modern language course (French, German, Spanish) in the School’s Summer Language Program. - Receiving an A- or better in HDS Advanced Intermediate (2nd year) German (HDS 4414), French (HDS 4454), or Spanish (HDS 4464). For languages taught at Harvard University other than those offered and examined by the Divinity School, intermediate competency may be demonstrated by: - Finishing with a B- or better the fourth semester of a language course that follows the four-semester model. For languages that do not fit the four-semester model, the student should contact the Registrar, who will maintain a listing of such courses and their level. Students who have already attained competency in such a language may demonstrate competency with a satisfactory grade (B- or better) in a language examination. The examination will be administered by the HDS Registrar in collaboration with the Assistant Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs. - For languages not taught by any instructor at Harvard University, intermediate competency will be demonstrated by a satisfactory grade (low pass or better) in a language examination. In such cases, the student must submit a petition signed by their advisor to the MTS Committee Chair that details the reasoning for the student’s choice of language. If the MTS Committee Chair approves of the petition, the exam will be administered by the HDS Registrar in collaboration with the Assistant Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs. - ThM students who wish to have a language other than those offered at HDS to meet the language requirement must receive approval from the appropriate curriculum committee. On such a petition, the student must demonstrate that the language is essential to their academic program. ## Language Requirement for the MDiv Degree MDiv students may meet the language requirement in one of two ways: 1. by completing the MTS language competency requirement, or 2. by satisfactorily completing three semesters of study in one language relevant to their program through coursework at Harvard. For more information about the MTS language competency requirement, please see the section “Language Requirements for the MTS and ThM Degrees”. ## Language Qualifying Examinations Language qualifying exams in Classical Arabic, Biblical Hebrew, New Testament Greek, Christian Latin, German, French, Pali, and Spanish are given twice a year, in August/September (prior to the start of the fall semester) and April/May (at the end of the spring semester). In addition, French, Spanish, and German exams are also administered in January/February, at the beginning of the spring semester. These tests certify reading competency at an intermediate level in a language of theological or religious studies scholarship for the purpose of meeting the HDS language requirement for the MDiv, MTS, or ThM degrees. These exams are not placement tests. A passing mark on a language exam attests that a student has sufficient knowledge and skill to use the language in scholarship. Some mistakes in recognizing grammar or vocabulary are allowed if they do not seriously undermine the student’s ability to understand the passage in question. All exam papers are evaluated by this same standard, independent of the degree program in which a student is enrolled. Texts of intermediate difficulty are selected to permit the grader enough flexibility in evaluating varying levels of performance and ability. One dictionary (printed or electronic) is permitted. The exams are designed to be taken within one hour. Copies of previous exams for practice are available online. All of the HDS Language Qualifying Exams use the same grading scale, which is explained in the table below. SortGradeMeaningRecorded on HDS TranscriptHigh Pass The translation was flawless or nearly flawless Yes, as "High Pass" Pass Pass Yes, as "Pass" Low pass The translation had more mistakes, but the passage was generally understood Yes, as "Pass" No Pass No Pass No Students in the PhD program in the Committee on the Study of Religion (CSR) are invited to take the HDS Language Qualifying Examinations and apply them to their language requirements. However, because requirements differ between the HDS master's programs and the CSR PhD program, doctoral students should consult with the CSR about the application of these grades to their requirements. ### 2026-2027 Language Qualifying Examination Dates These exams are only offered in-person and registration is required. Students will receive an invitation over email from the HDS Registrar’s Office to register for the exam, usually about one month prior to the exam date. Students who wish to take more than one exam on one date can indicate this in the registration form. Generally, a second language exam will commence 30 minutes after the end of the previous exam session (e.g. first exam starts at noon and ends at 1pm, second exam starts at 1:30 pm and ends at 2:30 pm). SortDateLanguages OfferedMonday, August 31, 2026 Classical Arabic, French, German, New Testament Greek, Biblical Hebrew, Christian Latin, Pali, and Spanish Friday, January 22, 2027 French, German, and Spanish Friday, April 30, 2027 Classical Arabic, French, German, New Testament Greek, Biblical Hebrew, Christian Latin, Pali, and Spanish ## HDS Summer Language Program [HDS Summer Language Program](https://www.hds.harvard.edu/academics/summer-language-program) (SLP) courses are offered in Classical Arabic, French, German, New Testament Greek, Biblical Hebrew, Christian Latin, Pali, Intermediate Syriac (last offered during SLP 2025, next offered for SLP 2027), Intermediate Coptic (offered SLP 2026, next offered for SLP 2028) and Spanish. The quantity and quality of each SLP course corresponds to the elementary and intermediate course in the target language in translation (elementary and intermediate) also offered during the fall and spring semesters of the academic year at HDS. Intermediate SLP language courses are equivalent to the second-year (advanced intermediate) course.