Korean Studies (Certificate)




At a Glance: program details

Certificate Map

Understanding Korea's central role in the global marketplace, technological innovation and cultural exchange while developing critical language skills will set you up as a globally informed leader in a variety of career paths.

Program Description

The certificate in Korean studies offers an in-depth and practical knowledge of dynamic Korea in the modern and contemporary world, with a particular focus on Korea's economic, cultural and technological innovation.

The program consists of two major components: Korean language skills in the areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing; and Korean society, culture, history, literature and religion.

Certificate coursework enriches students' critical thinking skills and their ability to investigate and address issues surrounding Korea and independent sociocultural, geopolitical and environmental challenges in the world.


Program Requirements

The certificate in Korean studies requires 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.
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Enrollment 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.


Career Outlook

Graduates who combine a certificate in Korean studies with their major program of study are now more marketable to employers than ever. Benefiting from their practical knowledge and enriched perspective of Korea in addition to their training in their own majors, graduates have a competitive advantage in various professions, including academia, government, politics, tourism and hospitality, marketing, military and other various types of work that involve translations of culture and language. Graduates often pursue employment in education and Korean companies such as Samsung, LG and Hyundai.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Community Health Workers


  • Growth: 14.1%
  • Median Salary*: 46190
  Bright Outlook

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 3.9%
  • Median Salary*: 80910

Customs Brokers


  • Growth: 4.6%
  • Median Salary*: 71690
  Bright Outlook

Lawyers


  • Growth: 7.5%
  • Median Salary*: 135740
  Bright Outlook

Political Scientists


  • Growth: 6.6%
  • Median Salary*: 128020
  Bright Outlook

Social and Community Service Managers


  • Growth: 9.1%
  • Median Salary*: 74240
  Bright Outlook

Supply Chain Managers


  • Growth: 8.2%
  • Median Salary*: 98560
  Bright Outlook

Interpreters and Translators


  • Growth: 4.3%
  • Median Salary*: 53640

Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 1.4%
  • Median Salary*: 76030

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).




Program Contact Information

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