BA Asian Languages (Chinese)
Program Description
The BA program in Asian languages with a concentration in Chinese emphasizes proficiency in reading, writing and speaking Mandarin and in reading classical Chinese. Students gain an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of the rich Chinese cultural tradition, centered on primary Chinese texts (these are in Chinese and in English translation) from the literary, intellectual and religious cultures of Chinese-speaking societies. These texts include visual and written materials on a variety of topics, including:
- history
- linguistics
- literary theory
- media
- philosophy
- religion
- urban culture
Highly-motivated students interested in learning Chinese to professional-level proficiency are encouraged to inquire about the Chinese Language Flagship Program: https://silc.asu.edu/chineseflagship. All students with higher levels of linguistic competency may enroll in targeted courses (they are conducted in Chinese) offered as part of the Chinese flagship track.
Subplans
Required Courses (Major Map)
What if: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus
- Additional Program Fee: Yes
- Second Language Requirement: Yes
- First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
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Math Intensity:
General
Admission Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman Transfer International Readmission
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search 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 help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Career Outlook
Knowledge of multiple languages and intercultural competencies enhance any occupation and offer graduates many career opportunities. Language-intensive professions include:
- foreign correspondent or media professional
- foreign service officer
- international banking and finance professional
- language teacher
- law and immigration professional
- multilingual administrative professional
- nongovernmental organization professional
- professor of language, literature and culture
- translator or interpreter
- travel professional
Career fields in which speaking multiple languages is a benefit include:
- advertising, marketing and communications
- airline industry
- film, television or multimedia
- foreign correspondence and journalism
- hospitality industry
- intelligence
- international education and study abroad administration
- international law
- public relations
- technology industries
Additional education and certification may be required for some career paths.
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. Career examples include but are not limited to:
Cultural Studies Professor
- Growth: 4.9%
- Median Salary*: $78,840
High School Teacher
- Growth: 3.8%
- Median Salary*: $62,870
Intelligence Officer
- Growth: 1.1%
- Median Salary*: $86,940
Translator
- Growth: 20.0%
- Median Salary*: $52,330
World Language Professor
- Growth: 5.7%
- Median Salary*: $69,920
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.