Georgetown University

What you'll study

The programme builds competence in one or more East Asian languages (commonly Chinese and Japanese, with options for Korean where available) through progressive language sequences from beginner to advanced. Coursework balances four main strands: intensive language practice, literary and cultural studies, theoretical and descriptive linguistics, and regional area studies. Typical modules include:

• Language sequences: sequential courses in speaking, listening, reading and writing leading to advanced proficiency and specialised topics such as classical texts, media language or professional communication.
• Literature and culture: surveys and seminars on modern and premodern literatures, film and media studies, visual culture and intellectual history of East Asia.
• Linguistics: core introductions to phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics, plus courses in sociolinguistics, historical linguistics and language acquisition with applications to East Asian languages.
• Area studies and electives: politics, history, religion and economics of East Asia that contextualise language use and texts.
• Capstone or honours project: a research seminar or senior thesis integrating language, literary analysis and linguistic methods; many students undertake translations or fieldwork-based projects.
• Practical experience: opportunities for teaching practicum, translation/interpretation workshops, internships with government or NGOs and summer or semester-long study abroad in locations such as Beijing, Taipei, Tokyo or Seoul.

Entry requirements

Admission is through the university's undergraduate admissions process. Successful applicants typically demonstrate strong secondary-school performance, evidence of intellectual curiosity, and a record of extracurricular or academic engagement relevant to language and culture. Additional considerations include recommendations and a personal statement that explain interest in East Asian studies.

Applicants for whom English is not a first language will need to meet the university's English proficiency requirements. Placement into the appropriate language course is determined by prior study, placement examinations or departmental review; students with prior study may receive credit or advanced placement according to department policies.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with high-level language skills, intercultural competence, and analytical training in linguistics—skills valued across the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Common career paths include:

• Diplomacy and government service, including policy analysis and intelligence roles.
• International business and trade, where language skills support market research, client relations and localisation work.
• Translation, interpretation and language technology roles, particularly for those who combine linguistics and computational electives.
• Education and teaching, from K–12 language instruction to university-level teaching and language programme administration.
• Research and graduate study in fields such as linguistics, comparative literature, East Asian studies and international affairs.
• Media, journalism and cultural institutions that require regional expertise and language fluency.

Why study at Georgetown University

Georgetown offers this programme within a liberal arts framework in a city that provides unparalleled access to international institutions, embassies and think tanks—facilitating internships and applied learning. The department combines faculty expertise in languages, literary criticism and linguistics with resources for language learning, including conversation partners, language laboratories and study-abroad pathways.

Students benefit from small seminar-style classes, opportunities to undertake supervised research or translation projects, and a campus culture that emphasises global engagement and practical experience. For students aiming to combine language mastery with policy, diplomacy or advanced research, Georgetown's location and institutional networks are distinct advantages.