/College of Arts and Sciences
Language Learning and Research Center

Commendation in Advanced Language Studies (CALS)

The Commendation in Advanced Language Studies (CALS) is an official recognition of advanced proficiency in a language other than English. It acknowledges the achievement of students who have developed strong language skills beyond the introductory level and provides a valuable credential for academic, professional, and personal advancement.

CALS is an excellent option for students who wish to demonstrate advanced language proficiency but may not have the opportunity to complete a language minor. It is also valuable for students pursuing careers or graduate study where language skills enhance their qualifications.

Who Can Apply

CALS is open to all Stony Brook University students, regardless of major or degree program.

Students from every discipline—including the sciences, engineering, business, the humanities, and the social sciences—can use CALS to document advanced language proficiency as an additional academic and professional credential. Graduate students, as well as students pursuing majors or minors with a foreign language component, are also eligible.

Why Earn CALS?

The Commendation in Advanced Language Studies:

  • Provides official recognition of advanced language achievement.
  • Demonstrates a high level of proficiency in a foreign language.
  • Enhances résumés, graduate school applications, and professional credentials.
  • Highlights skills that are increasingly valuable in a global workforce.

Languages

The commendation is currently available in:

  • Chinese (CHI)*
  • French (FRN)
  • German (GER)
  • Italian (ITL)
  • Japanese (JPN)*
  • Korean (KOR)*
  • Russian (RUS)*
  • Spanish (SPN)

*for Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian, up to two 200+ courses can be counted toward satisfying the CALS requirement.

Eligibility 

To apply for the Commendation in Advanced Language Studies, students must:

  • Be a matriculated student. You cannot apply for CALS after you graduate.
  • Successfully complete at least 12 upper-division (300+) credits in a single foreign language (see exceptions above) - credits from tutoring courses such as Directed Reading as well as transfer credits do not count).
  • Earn a grade of B or higher in each course counted toward the commendation.

Application

  • Once the above eligibility criteria are satisfied, complete the CALS online application form.  Complete a separate application for each language.
  • An LLRC official will confirm your course history and send you a commendation letter (PDF) via email.  
  • You will be added to the LLRC's CALS Recipient List.

Questions? Send an email to cals@stonybrook.edu