Central Washington University

What you'll study

This master's emphasises close reading, critical theory and the linguistic description of Mandarin and other Sinitic varieties, with coursework that combines literary history, comparative approaches and applied linguistics. Typical modules include:

• Modern and Classical Chinese Literature: survey of major genres and authors from late imperial to contemporary periods, with attention to literary form, translation issues and socio-historical contexts.
• Chinese Linguistics: phonology, morphology and syntax of Mandarin and selected Sinitic languages; language change, dialect variation and sociolinguistic perspectives.
• Translation and Textual Practice: techniques in translating literary and scholarly Chinese into English, critical approaches to translator’s choices and collaborative translation projects.
• Theory and Methods in Literary Studies: literary theory, comparative methods, close reading and research methodologies appropriate to both linguistics and literary criticism.
• Research Seminar and Thesis/Capstone: supervised research on a topic that bridges literature and linguistics — for example discourse analysis of contemporary Chinese fiction, or linguistic stylistics in classical poetry.
• Electives and Language Training: advanced Mandarin language courses, pedagogy for teaching Chinese, and electives in East Asian studies, digital humanities, or corpus linguistics.

Programme structure

The programme combines taught seminars with a significant research component. Students typically take a mix of core seminars and electives while working under a faculty advisor to complete either a thesis or a capstone research project. Practical language study and translation work are integrated throughout to ensure both analytical and applied skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in English, linguistics, Chinese/East Asian studies or a closely related field, with a competitive undergraduate record. Typical requirements include:

• A completed application and academic transcripts demonstrating strong writing and reading preparation.
• Evidence of prior coursework in literature, linguistics or Chinese language (intermediate to advanced language ability is recommended for the Chinese-focused track).
• A writing sample (such as an undergraduate essay) that demonstrates analytical and research skills.
• Letters of recommendation from academic referees familiar with the applicant’s scholarly potential.
• A statement of purpose outlining research interests and how the programme fits the applicant’s goals. International applicants may be asked to demonstrate English proficiency through standard tests, and those lacking Chinese background may be advised to complete preparatory language study.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of careers that use their combined literary and linguistic expertise. Common pathways include:

• Further academic study (PhD in literature, linguistics or East Asian studies).
• Teaching at secondary or postsecondary levels, including Chinese language instruction or literature courses.
• Translation, editing and publishing roles focused on Chinese–English material.
• International education, cultural exchange and programme coordination for NGOs, cultural institutions or government agencies.
• Applied language work such as corpus linguistics, language policy, localization and language technology settings where knowledge of Chinese linguistics is an asset.

Why study at Central Washington University

Central Washington University offers a close-knit academic environment with small seminars and direct faculty mentorship, which benefits research-intensive master’s students. The university’s strengths in language teaching and its connections within the region support applied learning opportunities, and faculty working on Chinese literature, linguistics and translation provide supervision for interdisciplinary projects. Students also benefit from opportunities to participate in study-abroad or exchange programmes and from practical training in language pedagogy and digital research methods that prepare them for both academic and non-academic careers involving Chinese language and culture.