Program Overview

Introduction to the Japanese Language Program

The Japanese language program is offered in five proficiency levels, providing appropriate courses for students to progress from beginning to advanced level. The program also offers a fifth-year Japanese course for students with special needs in reading or speaking, such as graduate students with specific research requirements.

Program Structure and Requirements

To earn a major in Japanese, students must complete:

• Six semesters of Japanese language (or equivalent)
• An additional course beyond the third-year level
• Three courses from departmental courses in literature, drama, film, and linguistics
• Three Japan-related courses in other departments

For students who want to obtain a minor in Japanese, there are three options available.

Courses and Advising

The program offers a range of Japanese courses, including:

• Language courses
• Literature courses
• Drama and film courses
• Linguistics courses Students who have declared a Japanese major will be assigned a major advisor to help them select courses and guide them through the major curriculum.

Certificate in Asian Studies

The requirements for the Certificate in Asian Studies include:

• Two years of an East Asian language
• Four courses (12 credits) on Asia in at least two departments outside the major
• One course (3 credits) on Asia in the major department If the major department does not have options for an Asian focus, the student must take an additional Asia-related course in a third department.

SEALS Program

The program offers three levels of intensive Japanese courses, each equivalent to one academic year of Japanese. The courses are:

• 10-week courses for first-year and second-year students
• 8-week courses for third-year students There are tuition remission scholarships available for students participating in the SEALS program.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The program offers various scholarships and financial aid options, including:

• Tuition remission scholarships for SEALS Japan students
• Scholarships to defray the cost of study abroad programs
• Nationality Room Scholarships
• AATJ's Bridging Scholarships
• JASSO scholarships
• Pittsburgh Foundation Scholarship
• FLAS (Foreign Language and Area Studies) scholarships

Study Abroad and Internships

The program maintains direct exchange programs with several universities in Japan, including:

• Kitakyushu University
• Ritsumeikan University
• Sophia University
• Waseda University Students can also participate in study abroad programs, such as the Pitt-in-Japan program, which offers a five-week study abroad program in Nishinomiya, Japan. Internships are available in the United States and Japan, both paid and unpaid, to enable students to apply their language skills and gain job experience.