Program Overview

Chinese Language and Culture Program

The Chinese Language and Culture program at Western Washington University provides students with the opportunity to become competent communicators in Chinese language and culture, shared by 1.3 billion people, approximately one-fourth of the world's population.

Majoring in Chinese Language and Culture

The study of Chinese Language and Culture focuses on communicative skills and cultural awareness, which are essential for success in career pursuits such as business, education, public service, and technology related to China, Chinese people, and Chinese language.

Chinese Language and Culture Degree(s)

Chinese Language and Culture, BA

The Chinese Language and Culture program provides students with the opportunity to become competent communicators in Chinese language and culture, shared by 1.3 billion people, approximately one-fourth of the world's population. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum with the goal of obtaining a competitive position in our increasingly globalized world.

Chinese Language and Culture with a Teaching Endorsement, BA

The study of Chinese Language and Culture focuses on communicative skills and cultural awareness. With the addition of a teaching endorsement, this program prepares students to become successful language teachers at the secondary education level.

Program Details

• The Chinese Language and Culture major leads to a BA degree without teacher certification.
• To receive a recommendation for state of Washington certification, students must complete the teacher certification program offered by the Department of Secondary Education.
• A passing score on the World Languages WEST-E test, and proficiency in the designated world language assessed by ACTFL oral and written tests at the Advanced-Low level, are required by the state.
• The Modern and Classical Language Department is part of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Related Majors

• Sociology
• Anthropology
• East Asian Studies
• Global Humanities and Religions
• Linguistics

Related Minors

• Chinese Minor
• East Asian Studies Minor
• Linguistics Minor
• International Business Minor
• Religion and Culture Minor
• History Minor
• Humanities: History of Culture Minor
• Art History Minor

Student Experiences

Internships and Scholarships

Students who have taken one or two years of Chinese are encouraged to study Chinese abroad, especially when faculty-led programs are available. Students also have the opportunity to teach student-led workshops for Western's Employee Language Program, or get involved with Chinese Language study groups. The Chinese Student Association organizes an annual Chinese New Year Celebration and a calligraphy exhibit of student works.

Career Opportunities

In the last few years, a clear trend has appeared among students studying Chinese at Western: more than half are interested in pursuing a career related to China in such fields as business, finance, environment, or public service. To prepare those students to succeed in reaching their career goals, it is essential for them to develop not only language competence but more importantly cultural competence so as to warrant effective intercultural communication.

Around half of the students in the program are double majors in Chinese and Business; the other half either major solely in Chinese or double major in another subject such as, one of the sciences, Linguistics, Education, East Asian Studies, Economics, Political Science, or History. Chinese Language and Culture Studies lends itself to a variety of educational and career goals.