Asian Languages (Japanese), BA


At a Glance: program details

  • Location:
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No
  • Math Intensity: General program math intensity general
  • Initial Math Course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics

Required Courses (Major Map)

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Studying Japanese opens the door to a variety of new career paths, experiences and opportunities for personal growth, career development and global exploration. Whether you are interested in foreign service, teaching, international business, diplomacy, science and technology, entertainment or anything in between, knowledge of Japanese takes you anywhere.

Program Description

Students in the BA program in Asian languages with a concentration in Japanese study the language, literature and culture of Japan and gain a respectable measure of competence in reading, writing and oral and aural skills in the Japanese language. Students also gain linguistic and cultural competence through the required study of classical Japanese.

In addition, ASU offers summer or yearlong programs to study abroad in Japan.





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:

Global Management

Gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates. This program offers applied learning opportunities, 17 concentration options, and internships in real-world global settings.

Website | Locations: DTPHX


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

Career fields and occupations using languages include:

  • advertising, marketing or communications
  • airline industry
  • film, television or multimedia
  • hospitality industry
  • intelligence
  • international education and study abroad administration
  • international law
  • lifestyle management
  • public relations
  • technology industries

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:

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

Sociologists


  • Growth: 4.5%
  • Median Salary*: 98590
  Bright Outlook

Supply Chain Managers


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

Interpreters and Translators


  • Growth: 4.3%
  • Median Salary*: 53640

* 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

Study abroad programs are vital when learning the Japanese language. Immersing oneself in the language and culture adds value to the degree and prepares students to take off in an exciting, multicultural career with valuable skills employers seek, like heightened cultural competency, adaptability, critical thinking and communication skills.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these programs to students majoring in Japanese.



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.