University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

This master’s programme offers a balance of advanced language instruction, literary and cultural study, and theoretical and applied linguistics focused on East Asian languages such as Chinese, Japanese and Korean. Core coursework typically includes seminars in modern and classical literature, language structure and theory (phonology, morphology, syntax), sociolinguistics, historical and comparative linguistics, and courses in second language acquisition and pedagogy.

Students choose a combination of coursework and supervised research. Typical module examples include:

• Advanced Language Seminar: intensive study of modern and classical registers, advanced composition and oral proficiency.
• Literary and Cultural Studies: seminars on modern fiction, classical texts, film and media, and cultural criticism.
• Linguistic Theory and Analysis: syntax, phonetics/phonology, morphology and typology applied to East Asian languages.
• Language Pedagogy and Applied Linguistics: methods of teaching East Asian languages, curriculum design and assessment.
• Translation and Discourse Studies: practice and theory of translation, discourse analysis and pragmatics.

The programme is offered with options for a thesis or a comprehensive non-thesis track. Thesis students undertake a supervised research project producing an original dissertation; non-thesis students complete additional coursework and a capstone examination or project. All students are expected to demonstrate high-level language ability in their language of focus and engage in research seminars and colloquia.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field such as linguistics, modern languages, East Asian studies, literature or a closely related discipline. A solid background in the chosen East Asian language and some coursework in linguistics or literature is advantageous.

Required application materials typically include official transcripts, a personal statement outlining academic and professional goals, letters of recommendation, and a writing sample relevant to language, literature or linguistics. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests unless exempt. Some applicants may be asked to provide evidence of prior coursework in the target language or to undertake a placement assessment.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme pursue a wide range of careers that draw on advanced language skills and analytical training. Common pathways include:

• Further academic study (PhD programmes in linguistics, literature or area studies).
• Language teaching at secondary or post‑secondary levels, and curriculum development for language programmes.
• Translation, interpretation and localisation in government, private sector and cultural organisations.
• Research and policy roles in government agencies, think tanks and international organisations focused on the Asia‑Pacific region.
• Publishing, journalism, cultural heritage and museum work involving East Asian languages and texts.
• Positions in language technology, lexicography and corpus linguistics where expertise in East Asian language structure is required.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa is uniquely positioned as a hub for Asia‑Pacific scholarship, with sustained strengths in East Asian language and cultural studies and long‑standing regional connections. Students benefit from specialist centres and resources, including programmes and centres focused on Chinese, Japanese and Korean studies, strong library holdings of East Asian materials, and active colloquia and visiting scholar programmes.

The campus location provides rich opportunities for community engagement with vibrant Asian and Pacific Islander communities, practical language use, and partnerships with regional institutions. Faculty bring expertise across literary, cultural and linguistic approaches, enabling interdisciplinary training and tailored supervision for both applied and theoretical research paths.