Languages Intro
We Make Learning a Language Fun
Learn Spanish, German, French, Japanese, Arabic, Chinese, Latin or Sign Language online through Rio Salado language classes. All classes, except Sign Language and Latin, use interactive voice recognition software and computer-based exercises all backed by Rio Salado's expert faculty.
The voice recognition component is like having a private tutor assisting you along the way, doing what no other software has been able to do - make learning a language fun. These courses are perfect for anyone wanting the flexibility and convenience of online learning – no time spent driving to class and no wasted gasoline.
Enjoy These Benefits:
- Courses start most Mondays
- Courses can be accelerated
- Affordable tuition
- No-cost/low-cost materials means that there are no hidden fees!
Language Prerequisites and Placement Testing
Please view the prerequisites for language courses:
Language Prerequisites and Placement Testing
| Course | Prerequisite @ Rio Salado College | Options if the Student Does Not Have the Prerequisite Or Needs Placement |
| 101-level | None | Register |
| 102-level | "C" or better in 101/115 or one year of high school with a "C" or better | Request a Placement Test |
| SPA111 | SPA101/SPA115 or one year of high school with a "C" or better | Request a Placement Test |
| SPA115 | None | Register |
| SPA116 | SPA115/SPA101 or one year of high school with a "C" or better | Request a Placement Test |
| SPA117 | None | Register |
| SPA118 | SPA117/SPA101/SPA115 or one year of high school Spanish with a "C" or better | Request a Placement Test |
| 201-level | "C" or better in 102/111 or two years of high school with a "C" or better | Request a Placement Test |
| 202-level | "C" or better in 201/203 or three years of high school with a "C" or better | Request a Placement Test |
| SPA203 (designed for heritage Spanish speakers) | SPA102/111 or two years of high school Spanish with a "C" or better | Request a Placement Test |
| SPA204 (designed for heritage Spanish speakers) | SPA201/203 or three years of high school Spanish | Request a Placement Test |
| SPA205 | SPA202 | Request a Placement Test |
| SPA206 | SPA205 with a “B” or better | |
| SPA225 | SPA102/116 or two years of high school Spanish with a "C" or better | Request a Placement Test |
| SPA226 | SPA201/225 or three years of high school Spanish with a "C" or better | Request a Placement Test |
| SPA235 | "C" or better in SPA202/226 | Request a Placement Test |
| SPA236 | "C" or better in SPA202/235 | Request a Placement Test |
| SPA265 | "C" or better in SPA202 | Request a Placement Test |
| SPA266 | "C" or better in SPA265 | Request a Placement Test |
| AHU245, JPH245, SLC201, SPH245 | None | Register |
Languages Conclusion
If you have not taken the required course prerequisite, but feel that you have the knowledge and skills to be successful in a language course beyond the first semester, request an online placement test:
Our Language Placement Coordinator will send you the link to the test and will let you know if your score meets the minimum necessary for departmental approval.
Transfer coursework from outside the Maricopa Community Colleges must be a grade of "C" or better to meet prerequisite requirements. Coursework over three years old will not meet prerequisite requirements. Students can email language.info@riosalado.edu or leave a message at 480.517.8255 with questions about the approval process.
Questions about the process? Please contact the Language Placement Coordinator via phone at 480-517-8255 or by email at language.info@riosalado.edu.
Certificates and Degrees
The ability to communicate in more than one language is a critical skill in our global economy. Did you know that Rio Salado College offers an Academic Certificate in Language Studies and an Academic Certificate in Spanish Language and Culture? We also offer an AA pathway in Spanish and one in Japanese. Be sure to review the requirements to see if one or more of these programs will help you reach your educational goals.