
The Portuguese at The Ohio State University is a Bachelor program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the Columbus campus in United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 4 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 24, 2027.
About Bachelor of Portuguese
Portuguese
Degree: BA
Campus: Columbus
College: Arts and Sciences
Portuguese is the language of Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique and several other countries in Africa. The Department of Spanish and Portuguese offers an undergraduate Portuguese major designed to provide students a strong foundation in the language, introduce them to the study of literary works in Portuguese, and help them develop an informed awareness of the cultures of Portuguese-speaking nations.
The Portuguese program at Ohio State has grown consistently in the last four years and now boasts enrollment numbers that are among the largest of undergraduate Portuguese programs in the United States.
Get started
Upon admission to the university, students can declare a major in Portuguese within the College of Arts and Sciences. Interested students should contact an undergraduate advisor in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese and in Arts and Sciences Advising.
Because the department offers basic language instruction, students do not need to have studied Portuguese in high school. However, students who have had prior instruction in the language may begin their major program earlier and progress toward advanced levels more rapidly.
Curriculum
Prerequisite requirements include either Portuguese 1101.01 (Portuguese I) through 1103.01 (Portuguese III) or 1101.51 through 1103.51 (Individualized Instruction). Students proficient in Spanish may begin with Portuguese 5501 and 5502 (Portuguese for Spanish Speakers), and move more quickly into major-level course work.
The Portuguese major requires at least 30 credit hours:
- A minimum of nine credit hours in advanced language and linguistics, including Portuguese 3401: Advanced Portuguese Grammar
- A minimum of 15 credit hours in literature and culture, including Portuguese 3450: Introduction to the Study of Literatures and Cultures
- A minimum of six credit hours in the electives list or from the advanced language/linguistics or literature and culture lists
Study abroad
One of the principal goals of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese is to help students attain the highest possible level of language proficiency and cultural competency. The department encourages students to take advantage of one of the study abroad programs sponsored by the department in Portugal and Brazil. These programs provide opportunities to gain greater exposure to the languages, literatures and cultures of Portuguese-speaking nations.
Student organizations
The Spanish and Portuguese Club emphasizes service, community and mastery of speaking skills through weekly language practice opportunities.
Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, is the nation’s only certifying agency for college and university honor societies, providing qualifying students with additional opportunities for research and travel grants and the chance to graduate from its programs with national honors.
Possible careers
The knowledge of a second language is helpful in acquiring strong writing skills and in developing cultural competencies necessary for engaging in diverse marketplaces. Employment in almost any field is open to a language major, especially in companies that do business with overseas clients. This can range from banking to public relations to computer programming and beyond. Knowledge of a second language is also helpful in health care, social work, and federal, state and local governments.
Ohio State graduates with Portuguese degrees have worked as customer service representatives, loan originators, trade specialists, diplomats and more.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Portuguese at The Ohio State University
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Portuguese at The Ohio State University
How to Apply for Bachelor of Portuguese at The Ohio State University
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.

United States of America, Columbus