University of Kansas

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary bachelor programme blends language instruction with courses in linguistics, literary analysis and regional cultural studies. Students normally follow a language track (for example Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, or Korean) and progress from beginning through intermediate and advanced competency. Core studies typically include:

• Language sequence: progressive skills-based courses in speaking, listening, reading and writing aimed at achieving intermediate to advanced proficiency.
• Linguistics foundations: introductory courses in phonetics/phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics that provide tools for analysing East Asian languages.
• Literature and film: surveys and specialised seminars on premodern and modern literatures, film and media from East Asia, often taught in translation and sometimes requiring original-language reading at advanced levels.
• Culture and history: courses addressing social, political and historical contexts of East Asian societies, including religion, gender, and contemporary social issues.
• Applied and computational topics: options in translation and interpreting, second language acquisition, language pedagogy (TESOL), and introductory computational approaches to language processing.
• Capstone or senior seminar: a culminating project, seminar or thesis that integrates language skills with linguistic or cultural research.

Students are encouraged to combine the major with related minors or certificates (for example Asian Studies, International Relations, or Computer Science) and to pursue study abroad or exchange programmes to enhance linguistic competence and cultural immersion.

Entry requirements

Admission is through the University of Kansas undergraduate admissions process. Typical expectations include completion of a recognised secondary-school diploma with a strong academic record and preparation in English and social studies; prior study of a foreign language is advantageous but not always required for beginners’ tracks. International applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements.

For the major, placement testing or departmental assessment will determine the appropriate starting point in the language sequence; students with prior language study may be placed into intermediate or advanced courses. Transfer students should consult departmental advisers to evaluate previously completed language and linguistics coursework for credit toward the major.

Career prospects

Graduates develop high-value language skills and analytical competencies that translate to a wide range of careers. Common paths include:

• Education and TESOL: teaching English or teaching an East Asian language at various levels; many graduates pursue teacher certification or TESOL training.
• Translation and interpreting: roles in government, non-profit organisations, and private sector firms requiring cross-linguistic communication.
• International business and diplomacy: positions in multinational firms, trade organisations, foreign service and policy-related organisations.
• Media, publishing and cultural institutions: editorial, research, curation and outreach roles that benefit from language and cultural expertise.
• Technology and localisation: opportunities in localisation, user experience, and language data work for tech companies.
• Graduate study and research: postgraduate programmes in linguistics, area studies, comparative literature, law, public policy and other fields.

Why study at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas offers an established program within departments that specialise in East Asian languages and linguistics, providing access to faculty with regional and linguistic expertise. Students benefit from language-focused resources such as media-rich language labs, specialised libraries and regular cultural events that support classroom learning.

KU’s connections with study-abroad partners and its interdisciplinary options allow students to combine language training with internships, research projects and coursework across area studies, political science, business and technology. Departmental advisers help tailor programmes to individual goals, whether those are professional language careers, graduate study, or roles in international and cultural sectors.