University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

This programme blends intensive language instruction with surveys of literature, culture and foundational linguistics. Students normally choose a primary language focus—Chinese, Japanese or Korean—and progress through a sequenced curriculum that develops speaking, listening, reading and writing to advanced levels. Core components include:

• Language sequence: Continuation from elementary through advanced language courses, often with options for heritage speakers and accelerated tracks.
• Literature and culture: Introductory and upper-division courses in classical and modern literatures, film, media, and cultural history that place texts in social and historical context.
• Linguistics: Introductory linguistics, phonetics/phonology, morphology, syntax, sociolinguistics and language pedagogy, giving tools to analyse structure and use of East Asian languages.
• Area studies: Interdisciplinary courses in history, politics, religion and society of East Asia to support language learning with regional knowledge.
• Electives and capstone: Options for special topics seminars, independent research, senior projects or a practicum in language teaching, translation or community engagement.

Language laboratory and media resources support oral proficiency; study-abroad and exchange programmes in East Asia are strongly encouraged and frequently integrated into degree planning.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of Hawaii at Manoa follows the institution's undergraduate entry criteria. For this programme, typical requirements include:

• A recognised secondary school graduation certificate or equivalent.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating preparation in humanities and language where available; competitive applicants often have prior study in one of the East Asian languages or in another foreign language.
• English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English, evidenced by an accepted test (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS) or other institutional exemptions.
• Placement testing in the chosen language may be required to determine appropriate course level; heritage speakers and advanced learners are placed in higher-level courses when eligible.

Applicants should consult the university's admissions office or departmental adviser for specific documentation requirements and for information on transfer credit, advanced placement and exemptions.

Career prospects

Graduates are well placed for careers that require advanced language competence and cultural literacy. Typical pathways include:

• Language teaching and curriculum development at K–12 and tertiary levels, supplemented by teacher certification where required.
• Translation, interpretation and localisation work across public, private and non-profit sectors.
• Public service, diplomacy and international affairs roles that value regional expertise and language skills.
• Business and trade positions in multinational firms, tourism and hospitality industries focusing on Asia–Pacific connections.
• Media, publishing, cultural institutions and NGOs where language knowledge and critical analysis of texts are required.
• Progression to graduate study in linguistics, literature, area studies, language education or professional programmes (law, public policy, international relations).

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a distinctive East Asian languages and linguistics education shaped by its location in the Asia–Pacific. The programme benefits from:

• Geographic and cultural advantage: Honolulu's proximity to Asia and a large Pacific and Asian community provide rich opportunities for language immersion, community engagement and internships.
• Dedicated centres and resources: Access to established centres for Chinese, Japanese and Korean studies, language laboratories, native-speaker faculty and extensive library collections supporting primary-source research.
• Study-abroad links: Well-developed exchange and study-abroad programmes with partner institutions across East Asia to advance proficiency and cultural understanding.
• Interdisciplinary environment: Collaboration with departments in history, political science, education and linguistics enables tailored study paths and research opportunities.
• Support for career development: Departmental advising, practicum options and community partnerships that help students translate language competence into practical employment and professional experience.

Together these features make the programme a strong choice for students aiming to combine rigorous language ability with scholarly and practical knowledge of East Asia.