The major in Chinese helps students develop language skills along with disciplinary knowledge gained in courses on Chinese literature, film, and other aspects of culture and society. Students who begin their study of Chinese early in their university careers can attain a high level of proficiency in spoken and written Chinese by the time they graduate. A comprehensive array of content courses will enable students to achieve the cultural competencies needed for communicating effectively. All students majoring in Chinese will be strongly encouraged to spend at least one semester abroad in intensive language study at a Chinese university to help them build their language skills while also fostering their cultural competencies. Other options for intensive language study that students will be encouraged to consider include university-based summer intensive Chinese language programs (in China or the U.S.) and/or a full year of intensive language study abroad. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Chinese prepares students to begin post-graduation careers in fields ranging from government to business that require or benefit from China-related expertise. The degree also prepares students to transition to graduate programs in the humanities and social sciences as well as to professional schools in areas such as law and information sciences.

Career in related fields.