University of Findlay

What you'll study

This programme blends structured language progression with core courses in linguistics and literary study. In the early years you build practical skills in Mandarin Chinese (listening, speaking, reading and writing) through staged language modules and laboratory practice. Parallel modules introduce foundations of linguistics—phonetics, morphology, syntax and semantics—with examples and analysis drawn from Chinese.

Progressing through the degree, you study surveys of Chinese literature from classical to contemporary periods, including poetry, drama, prose and modern fiction. Coursework emphasises close reading, comparative approaches and historical context. You will also encounter modules on translation and interpretation practice, sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, and language acquisition.

Typical final-year work includes advanced language seminars, specialised electives (such as modern Chinese media, classical Chinese texts, or computational approaches to Chinese linguistics), and a capstone project or senior thesis that may take the form of a research dissertation, a translation portfolio, or an applied practicum.

• Core language sequence: elementary to advanced Mandarin, Chinese character literacy and composition
• Linguistics core: phonetics & phonology, morphology & syntax, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics with Chinese data
• Literature modules: classical Chinese literature, modern Chinese fiction and poetry, literary theory and criticism
• Applied topics: translation & interpretation, Chinese for business, media and film studies
• Research and capstone: senior thesis, independent research project or internship-based practicum

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a high-school diploma or equivalent and provide official academic transcripts. Admissions take into account cumulative academic performance and the applicant's preparedness for language study; evidence of prior language study can be advantageous but is not always required. International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or approved institutional measures.

Some applicants may be invited to complete a placement test in Chinese to determine appropriate starting level. Mature students and those with relevant life or work experience are encouraged to apply and may have entry assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Career prospects

Graduates gain strong language skills and analytical training that open paths across public, private and academic sectors. Common career destinations include:

• Translation and interpreting for government, NGOs, publishing and media
• Teaching Chinese or English as a second language at schools and language institutes
• International business, diplomacy and cultural exchange roles that require Chinese language competence
• Content localisation, international markets and technology firms working on natural language processing or multilingual interfaces
• Further study at postgraduate level in linguistics, literary studies, translation studies or area studies

Internships, study abroad and research projects during the degree help students build professional experience and employer networks.

Why study at University of Findlay

At the University of Findlay you will find small classes and close faculty supervision that support intensive language learning and independent research. The programme emphasises experiential learning—language labs, project work and opportunities for community engagement—so students can practise language skills in real contexts.

The University supports language learners with resources such as multimedia language tools and advising for study-abroad or overseas internship options, which complement classroom study and deepen cultural understanding. Interdisciplinary links across departments allow students to combine Chinese studies with business, education, communication or digital studies, tailoring the degree to individual career goals.