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Bachelor of Arts in Chinese

Explore global cultures, change the world.

Chinese collage

THE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN CHINESE combines thorough training in spoken and written Chinese language as students develop critical approaches to a broad range of Chinese cultural phenomena including linguistic diversity, classical and modern literature, visual arts and film. Through language acquisition, cultural investigation and professional growth, graduates become well-rounded global citizens prepared for a variety of careers.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

The School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (SLLC) at the University of Maryland integrates language learning with in-depth literary and applied linguistics studies. SLLC students explore cultural landscapes in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention. 

 

COURSEWORK

Chinese coursework delves into approaches on a broad range of Chinese language and cultural topics. Majors will demonstrate an understanding of the development of modern Chinese in the 20th and 21st centuries and the characteristics of the Chinese writing system. They will also become familiar with representative works of contemporary Chinese literature and cinema. Students have the opportunity to apply for scholarships to study abroad in Taiwan and Mainland China, where they can experience different Chinese societies and deepen their understanding of the people and cultures.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Language House students live in a multicultural community of 11 language clusters where they develop language fluency and cultural appreciation. Led by native-speaking mentors, residents engage in hands-on, immersive activities that prepare them for future global engagement.

The Language Partner Program provides students with structured one-on-one weekly interactions with an international student to develop conversation skills, deeper linguistic understanding and cross-cultural awareness.

Transferable skills cultivated in ARHU and sought by employers

Career Readiness

The College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU) offers courses designed to ensure students are ready to enter the workforce, along with integrated and individualized academic and career advising. Additionally, SLLC offers an annual Language Career and Internship Fair, connecting students to a robust list of employers. Alumni continue on to graduate school or forge their careers in a variety of industries and fields. The creative ways to apply your ARHU degree are truly limitless! Here are some placements specific to Chinese majors:

Internship Placements

  • Chinese American Museum
  • U.S. Department of Energy
  • U.S. House of Representatives
  • US-Asia Institute

Graduate School Placements

  • Georgetown University
  • Stanford University
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • University of Maryland

Employer Placements

  • CIBTvisas
  • Fiduciary Trust International
  • Hattaway Communications
  • Hewlett Packard
  • Howard County Public Schools

Course Examples

  • Chinese Calligraphy
  • Contemporary Chinese Fiction and Film
  • Ethnic and Cultural Diversity in China
  • Introduction to Chinese Philosophy
  • Traditional Chinese Fiction

Alumni Job Titles

  • Economist
  • Educational Ambassador
  • Intelligence Specialist
  • Language Teacher
  • Lawyer
  • Legislative Director
  • Research Assistant
  • Senior Policy Analyst
  • Visa/Passport Consultant

Program Requirements

All students new to SLLC courses must take the online World Language Placement (WPA) before registering for classes.

  • Language Acquisition Courses: 18 credits at the 200-level or above
  • Literature: 3 credits at the 300-level or above
  • Linguistics: 6 credits (CHIN307 and 3 credits of Chinese linguistics at the 300-level or above)
  • History & Civilization: 6 credits of Chinese history and civilization (See Testudo for the list of current history courses)
  • Electives: 6 credits of electives at the 300-level or above)

Notes:

  • Students with prior experience in Chinese may satisfy prerequisites and language acquisition requirements by placement in consultation with the undergraduate advisor.
  • All prerequisites imply "or equivalent knowledge." In cases of equivalent knowledge, required language-focus credits are replaced with the written approval of the undergraduate advisor or the program director.
  • Most content courses taught in Chinese are not open to fluent or native speakers of Chinese.
  • All majors returning from study abroad must take one 400 level course before graduating.

Study Abroad

For information on study abroad programs see the undergraduate advisor and contact UMD Education Abroad.

Declaring the Major

We recommend that interested students declare their major as early as possible

Step 1: Carefully read Chinese major requirements
Step 2: Read through all forms carefully, and pencil in a sequence of courses to discuss with the program advisor, Dr. Guiling Hu (ghu@umd.edu).
Step 3: Contact the College of Arts and Humanities Office of Student Affairs (301-405-2108) to make an appointment to discuss the non-Chinese aspects of your 4-year plan (bring signed form from previous step), including CORE courses. Walk-in hours are also available.
Step 4: If you are adding Chinese as an additional major, check with your home department and college to identify paperwork you may need to complete.

Chinese Program Advisor

Guiling Hu

Senior Lecturer, School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Senior Lecturer and Advisor, Chinese

4223 Jiménez Hall
College Park MD, 20742

(301) 405-4541
Study near the nation's capital.

BOLDLY HUMAN FEARLESSLY CREATIVE

ABOUT THE COLLEGE

When you join the University of Maryland College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU), you become part of a supportive and inclusive community committed to solving the world’s grand challenges. ARHU is reimagining an education in the arts and humanities by empowering students to make sense of the world using empathy, creativity and intellectual rigor. Our faculty and staff experts are focused on preparing competitive, versatile and visionary leaders equipped to address the complexities of the human experience. Graduates are purposefully prepared for successful careers and fulfilling lives.