Amherst College

What you'll study

Students typically combine sequential language courses with seminars and lecture courses in history, literature, religion, and cultural studies. Instruction balances:

• Language training aimed at reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension in the chosen Asian language;
• Textual study using primary sources (literary, religious, historical) in translation and, at higher levels, in the original language;
• Disciplinary electives from history, anthropology, religious studies, and comparative literature to provide historical and theoretical context;
• Independent research opportunities such as advanced seminars, senior essays, or thesis-level projects that require sustained analysis and engagement with sources.

Entry requirements

Admission to the programme is through enrollment at the college as an undergraduate student. Incoming students generally place into language courses based on prior study or take introductory sequences when beginning a new language. Upper-level seminars usually require completion of intermediate or advanced language courses or faculty approval. Prospective students should consult language placement guidelines and departmental advising for specific preparation expectations.

Career prospects

Graduates with majors in Asian Languages and Civilizations move into a range of fields where language skills, cultural literacy, and critical analysis are valued: graduate study in area studies, history, literature, or law; careers in diplomacy, international organizations, NGOs, publishing, journalism, education, and cultural heritage institutions; and roles in business or tech firms that require regional expertise. Language proficiency combined with analytic training is particularly helpful for roles involving research, translation, policy, or cross-cultural communication.

Scholarships & funding angle

Financial support for students in the programme typically comes through the college’s general undergraduate financial-aid and scholarship offerings rather than programme-specific grants. Students planning research, fieldwork, or overseas study should explore institutional study-abroad fellowships, departmental travel funds, and external language-center scholarships. Faculty advisors and the college financial-aid office can help identify funding sources and application strategies.