Korean Studies  (Certificate)


Redefine your personal strengths and stand out in the job market. Learn the skills of critical thinking and cultural diversity in a language employers in every field are seeking. A certificate in Korean prepares you for the global marketplace, technological innovation and cultural exchange.



Program Description

The certificate program in Korean studies aims to train and produce students who are linguistically capable and culturally informed.

The program consists of two major components. The first builds students' Korean language proficiency in the areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing. The second offers students a broad range of knowledge of the culture, literature, history, art and religions of Korea. The certificate allows students to focus on Korean studies.


Career Opportunities

Graduates who have combined the certificate in Korean studies with their major program of study may be more marketable to employers.

They have an enriched perspective on different cultures and societies at the intellectual level and are equipped with a practical knowledge of Korean that will benefit a career in various professions, including in academia, government work, international trade, with nongovernmental organizations and translation. Graduates often decide to pursue employment in education, the military, political analysis, tourism and hospitality or marketing.

Contact Information

School of International Letters and Cultures | LL 440
silcadvising@asu.edu | 480-965-6281


Certificate Map

Major/Certificate Map archive


At a Glance: program details

  • Location: Tempe campus
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No


Program Requirements

ASU students admitted to a degree program in any field of study are eligible for the Korean studies certificate program. Requests to declare this certificate are reviewed by the academic advisor in the academic unit offering the certificate. Students may be contacted to discuss the certificate prior to the addition of the certificate to the student record.

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.

Enrollment Requirements

The certificate in Korean studies requires a minimum of 22 credit hours, of which at least 12 must be completed at the upper-division level. Each course must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher.

Korean Language -- 10 credit hours

Students must choose one two-course sequence from KOR 101, KOR 102, KOR 201, KOR 202, for a total of 10 credit hours. Course substitutions may be permitted for heritage speakers and other advanced speakers of the Korean language based on their proficiency level as determined by the Korean Placement Test.

Upper-Division Electives -- 12 credit hours

Additional courses may be approved in consultation with an academic advisor in the School of International Letters and Cultures or the coordinator of the certificate. The completion of the requirements will be reviewed both by students' designated advisors and the coordinator of the program.

Depending on a student's undergraduate program of study, prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.







Program Contact Information

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