Boise State University

What you'll study

The programme blends courses in Chinese linguistics, modern and classical Chinese literature, and advanced research methods. Core topics typically include syntactic and phonological analysis of Mandarin and other Sinitic varieties; historical linguistics of Chinese; thematic and genre-based study of premodern literature (classical poetry, prose and drama) and modern literature (20th–21st century fiction, poetry, and film); and comparative and theory-based approaches to literature.

• Advanced Chinese language and pedagogy — high-level spoken and written Mandarin, dialect features, and language teaching practicum for students preparing to teach.
• Chinese linguistics — phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics with targeted study of data from Chinese languages.
• Literary periods and genres — close reading and contextual study of classical, modern and contemporary Chinese texts, including literary responses to social and political change.
• Translation and textual practice — theory and practice of translating Chinese texts into English and strategies for working with historical languages and dialects.
• Research methods and literary theory — qualitative and quantitative methods, corpus approaches to literary and linguistic research, and critical theory useful for thesis work.
• Capstone — a supervised master’s thesis or a substantial project (such as a translation portfolio with critical apparatus) demonstrating original research.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in literature, linguistics, Asian studies, language education or a closely related discipline. Typical application materials include official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining research interests, and two or three academic references.

Because the programme centres on Chinese language and texts, applicants will be expected to demonstrate prior training in Chinese: this is usually at least intermediate-to-advanced proficiency (equivalent to several years of university-level instruction). Native speakers of Chinese and applicants with strong language portfolios are also welcome. International applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate English proficiency according to the university’s standard requirements.

Some research specialisms may benefit from prior coursework in linguistics or literary theory. Teaching assistantships or certain placements may require additional demonstration of language teaching ability or pedagogical training.

Career prospects

Graduates follow a range of academic and professional paths. Common outcomes include:

• Continuation to doctoral study in Chinese literature, comparative literature, or linguistics.
• Teaching Chinese language or literature at secondary or post-secondary levels, often supported by training in pedagogy.
• Roles in translation and editing for publishing houses, media organisations, museums and cultural institutions.
• Positions in government, international organisations, and NGOs that require cultural and linguistic expertise related to China and Chinese-speaking communities.
• Research, policy analysis, and consultancy where skills in close textual analysis, critical thinking and language data interpretation are valuable.

Why study at Boise State University

Boise State offers a supportive, interdisciplinary environment for advanced study in languages and literature within its College of Arts and Sciences. Students benefit from small seminar sizes that enable close mentoring by faculty with expertise in Chinese linguistics, modern and classical literature, and translation studies. The university’s library collections and digital resources support primary-text research and language study, and graduate students can gain experience through teaching assistantships and collaborative projects across departments.

Based in a mid-sized city with a growing cultural scene, Boise State provides access to community partnerships, cultural events, and opportunities for public-facing scholarship. The programme’s combination of rigorous linguistic training and sustained literary study prepares graduates for both academic careers and applied roles where deep Chinese language and cultural competence are required.