Research suggests a widespread perception that language study in higher education is an end in itself, as the preservation of culture. However, in Australia, university second language programs have been designed for practical purposes, and increasing pressure is seen for instruction in languages for special purposes (LSP). The question of whether LSP is an appropriate field in which to give academic credit has arisen. Criteria for inclusion in degree-level study are: function as academic support and a source of academic activities, and focus on skills and content. Four second language programs at Edith Cowan University (Australia), all guided to some extent by the LSP concept, illustrate the argument in favor of inclusion in degree-level study. The programs are: a developmental literacy unit, which provides academic support and focuses on skills; a program in English for academic purposes, which focuses on skills but has an essentially academic function; language majors in Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish, all of which combine language and thematic content; and an experimental immersion program in Chinese culture taught in Mandarin Chinese at the intermediate level. Based on these examples, it appears that LSP and degree studies can be compatible. (Contains 24 references.) (MSE)