Eastern Michigan University

What you'll study

This programme blends intensive language instruction with courses in linguistics, literary history and cultural studies. Core language work typically progresses from beginning through advanced spoken and written Chinese, integrating reading of modern and classical texts. Linguistics modules cover areas such as phonetics and phonology of Mandarin, syntax, morphology, semantics, sociolinguistics and historical linguistics as they relate to Sinitic languages. Literature modules introduce modern Chinese literature, classical poetry and prose, literary theory, comparative literature and genre studies (novel, drama, short fiction).

Programme structure commonly includes general education requirements alongside a set of major requirements: lower-division language sequence, foundational linguistics courses, upper-division seminars in Chinese literature and language analysis, and a capstone experience. The capstone may be a research project, senior seminar or practicum that emphasises independent research, translation projects or applied language work. Electives allow exploration of related areas such as East Asian history, film, media, translation studies and teaching Chinese as a second language.

Students are strongly encouraged to take part in study-abroad or exchange programmes in Mandarin-speaking locations to develop proficiency and cultural insight. Additional opportunities include internships with community organisations, cultural institutions, media outlets or local businesses that engage with Chinese-speaking communities.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma and submit official secondary-school transcripts. Admissions decisions take into account academic preparation, recommendations and a personal statement outlining interest in Chinese language and literature. Demonstrated academic success in humanities and language courses is desirable. Native or fluent English speakers are normally exempt from additional English testing; applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted test or other institutionally approved documentation.

Because students enter the programme with varying levels of prior Chinese, placement testing is typically used to place incoming students at the appropriate language-course level. Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts; credit for prior language study or relevant coursework may be awarded following departmental review and placement testing.

Career prospects

Graduates with this combination of advanced Chinese and training in linguistics and literature pursue careers in a range of public and private sectors. Common pathways include:

• Education: K–12 language teaching, postsecondary instruction, or continuing to graduate study in applied linguistics, language pedagogy or area studies.
• Translation and interpreting: literary translation, technical and professional translation, conference or community interpreting.
• International business and government: roles in diplomacy, international trade, policy analysis and cultural affairs where Mandarin proficiency and cultural literacy are assets.
• Media, publishing and cultural organisations: editing, journalism, museum work, programme coordination and outreach for organisations engaged with Chinese-speaking audiences.
• Academic research: further study in comparative literature, Chinese studies, linguistics or related humanities and social sciences.

Why study at Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University offers a humanities-focused environment with small classes and accessible faculty mentorship, allowing students to work closely with specialists in Chinese language, linguistics and literature. The university supports experiential learning through study-abroad partnerships in Mandarin-speaking regions and local internship connections that link classroom learning to real-world practice.

Students benefit from language-learning resources such as conversation labs and multimedia materials, interdisciplinary collaboration across departments (for example, history, theatre, media studies and education) and support services for academic planning and career development. The programme’s combination of rigorous language instruction, theoretical training and practical experience prepares graduates for immediate employment and for continued study at the graduate level.