The Chinese major is offered by the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures and includes courses in the language, culture, literature and linguistics of China. Students studying Chinese progress from an elementary working knowledge of the language to oral and written fluency. Once students are familiar with basic patterns of pronunciation and language structure, they are introduced gradually to the unique writing system of the language.

Why choose Chinese?

The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures is one of the largest departments of its kind in the U.S., and its Chinese language program is nationally recognized for the quality of its language instruction. All who study Chinese find that the experience sharpens their understanding of language in general and makes them more attentive to nuance in their native languages, thus helping them exercise a greater amount of control over their own lives, no matter what their eventual fields of interest or occupations.

What can you do with this degree?

Chinese is applicable in a variety of settings in the United States and abroad. Mastery of Chinese allows students to consider careers in such fields as education, government, international trade, banking, print or electronic media, tourism or art. Many employers are eager to hire graduates who are fluent in Chinese because their businesses interact with Chinese speakers. Careers in which Chinese is the primary emphasis include teaching Chinese at all levels; interpreting and translating for the United Nations, government or for private and public organizations; and a variety of positions in the travel and tourism industry at home or abroad such as flight attendant, travel agent and tour guide.