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Asian Languages (Chinese) ,BA

Asian Languages (Chinese), BA

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Asian Languages (Chinese)

Asia, China, Chinese, Culture, Foreign Service, International, Interpreter, Language, Languages, Mandarin, Tour Guide, Translator, Travel, asian, foreign language

China is one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations and newest economic giants. When you study Chinese language and culture, you'll gain a competitive edge on the dynamic frontier of international business and relations, as well as the arts and sciences.

Program description

The Bachelor of Arts program in Asian languages with a concentration in Chinese trains you to read, write and speak modern Mandarin proficiently, as well as in read classical Chinese.

You gain an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of the rich Chinese cultural tradition, centered on primary Chinese texts from the literary, intellectual and religious cultures of Chinese-speaking societies.

If you're interested in learning Chinese, you're encouraged to inquire about the Chinese Flagship Language program. If you have higher levels of linguistic competency, you may enroll in targeted courses offered as part of the Chinese flagship track.

In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you're interested in pursuing concurrent degrees or a second baccalaureate degree in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, visit The College's website for more information.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: Yes
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
  • First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Curriculum

What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.

Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100

Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

  • Effectively communicate orally and in writing in Mandarin Chinese at the mid-to-high Intermediate level standards according to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines.
  • Situate major literary Chinese works in their historical contexts and make textual analysis with critical depth.
  • Create an independent research project in the areas of Chinese language and cultural production.
Global opportunities
Global experience

Studying abroad is vital when learning the Chinese language. Immersing oneself in the second-most-spoken language in the world adds value to the degree, and having a thorough understanding of Chinese cultural elements prepares graduates to take off in an exciting multicultural career with valuable skills that employers seek, such as heightened cultural competence and enhanced adaptability, critical thinking and communication skills.

Career opportunities

Knowledge of multiple languages and intercultural competencies enhances any occupation and offers graduates many career opportunities. Language-intensive professions include:

  • foreign correspondent
  • foreign media professional
  • foreign service officer
  • international banking and finance professional
  • language, literature or culture teacher
  • law and immigration professional
  • multilingual administrative professional
  • translator or interpreter
  • travel professional

Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.


Career *Growth *Median salary
11.3%
$51,850
2.4%
$85,020
4.1%
$159,670
-3.1%
$142,080
1.7%
$60,170
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information

Program term definitions

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

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