<p>at least for math, this is from the uva grad math website:</p>
<p>doctorate:</p>
<p>Language: Facility in reading mathematical literature in one language (French, German, Italian, Russian, or substitutes acceptable to the department), as demonstrated by an examination administered by the department, in which the students are required to translate passages from mathematical works in the given languages. The language requirement should be satisfied by the end of the student’s fourth year, or by the date of the Ph.D. defense, whichever comes first. </p>
<p>masters:</p>
<p>Language: Facility in reading mathematical literature in one foreign language (French, German, Russian, Italian, or a substitute acceptable to the department) as demonstrated by an examination administered by the department, in which students are required to translate passages from mathematical works in the given language, or by two years of undergraduate credit (in one of the languages listed above) will meet this requirement.</p>