• Chinese is an excellent complement to other disciplines, including business, communications, management and information systems, engineering, history, veterinary medicine, and agriculture.
• The Language Learning Resource Center in Thompson Hall 210 provides the latest in language learning technology, such as access to almost 40 computers, two HD TVs with VCR and Blu-Ray DVD players and the ability to check out other equipment. The center also offers a fully trained staff on hand to provide assistance.
• The school of Foreign Languages, Cultures, and Race offers four faculty-led study abroad programs. Study abroad during spring break in Guatemala or study abroad in the summer in Paris, Berlin, or Berlin/Austria.Learn more about these faculty-led study abroad experiences
• Study abroad provides students a wide range of opportunities for adventuring, learning, and engaging with the foreign language and culture. Students can earn course credit while studying abroad in another country. Visit the Office of International Programs for more information.
• Scholarships are offered annually to new and ongoing students and for study abroad.

Core courses

All foreign language majors take courses like these in their chosen language.

Introduction to the World of Languages
Introduction to Foreign Film
Introduction to Foreign Literature
Global Theory and Regional Reality

Fourth Semester Language Study
Intermediate Reading and Translation
Intermediate Speaking and Listening
Intermediate Grammar and Writing

Advanced Speaking and Listening
Advanced Grammar and Writing

Electives

As part of your major, you'll take some courses on film, culture, or literature of the language area, taught in English. Here are just a few examples.

Asian Film
Great Asian Directors
Modern Chinese Culture
Traditional Chinese Culture
Masterpieces of Asian Literature
The Art of War

There are also elective courses taught in Chinese that will help you put your language skills to real-world use. Some examples:

Introduction to Literary Chinese
Media Chinese
Gender and Love in East Asian Culture
Chinese for the Professions

Foreign language majors must also complete either a minor in a second foreign language, a concentration of at least 16 credits in a related field, or a second major. 

Graduation requirements

See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.

Chinese major

The Chinese program offers three years of Chinese language study and several courses taught in English on Chinese and Asian culture. To major in Chinese, a student must take the minimum requirement of 34 foreign language credits.

In addition to your major language, you'll need to complete ONE of these supplemental requirements:

• A minor in a second foreign language
• Concentration of at least 16 credits in a field related to your major language
• A second major

More information about the major

Chinese minor

To fulfill requirements for a minor in Chinese, a student must complete a minimum of 17 credits of course work in the language area. Courses must include:

• Nine credits in the language at the 300-400 level

or

• Six credits in the language at the 300-400 level and three credits in film, culture, or literature in the language area taught in English.

More information about the minor

Graduation requirements

See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.

To fulfill requirements for a minor in Chinese, a student must complete a minimum of 17 credits of course work in the language area.

Courses must include:

• Nine credits in the language at the 300-400 level
  or
• Six credits in the language at the 300-400 level and three credits in film, culture, or literature in the language area taught in English.

See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.

A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs.

Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.

For all students at WSU

To get all the financial help WSU can provide, start by doing these two things:

• Complete the WSU general scholarship application so you can be eligible for scholarship consideration.
• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) so WSU can consider you for aid (scholarships, grants, loans, etc.) based on financial need.

For students in foreign languages

The School of Languages, Cultures, and Race awards numerous scholarships annually for new students, continuing students, and those pursuing study abroad.

Students in the major may also apply for general WSU scholarships and more than $50,000 in scholarships awarded by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).

What you can do with a degree in foreign languages and cultures:

• Translation and interpreting services
• Customs and immigration
• Public relations
• Business
• Teaching
• Travel and tourism
• Law enforcement
• Health services
• Publishing, editing
• Communication

Skills you can market with a degree in foreign languages and cultures:

• Ability to speak languages other than English
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Effective written and oral communication
• Reading and listening comprehension
• Critical analysis and problem solving
• Intellectual curiosity
• Ability to work solo or as a team member
• Time management and organization