Asian Languages and Cultures

  • BA
  • Major
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Embark on an academic adventure with the BA in Asian Languages and Cultures, where you develop advanced language proficiency, immerse in Asian cultures, and prepare for impactful global careers – all in a student-centered, interdisciplinary major.

Choose Your Focus

  • Specialize in Chinese, Japanese or Korean – develop in-depth skills and cultural knowledge tailored to each language’s global significance and career pathways.
  • Progress from foundational to advanced coursework, preparing for immersive experiences abroad or roles requiring cross-cultural communication
  • Explore interdisciplinary courses – film, music, gender, business, diplomacy, and social change
  • Work on collaborative research, creative projects, or practical initiatives alongside faculty mentors
  • Get involved in student organizations, cultural events and peer networks
  • Participate in study abroad programs, internships, or community-engaged volunteer partnerships with Asian communities in New Jersey or internationally
  • Complete a personalized Capstone – original research, a community initiative, or a creative project reflecting your passions and goals

Career Pathways and Real-World Impact

  • Build skills employers want – critical thinking, cultural competency, writing and analysis valued across global industries.
  • Address urgent global issues – gain perspectives on international relations, migration, social justice, economic development, and climate change
  • Launch your future – prepare for careers in business, government and diplomacy, nonprofit leadership, media, and education where language and cultural fluency set you apart
photo of two ceramic figures in traditional Korean dress.

Tailor Your Degree with Asian Language Concentrations and Minors

Build your skills in speaking, reading and writing Mandarin while immersing yourself in Chinese history, contemporary life and vibrant popular culture. 

Montclair’s lively Chinese program features interactive classes and trips to Chinatown, and engaging with local Asian American communities. Explore Chinese through media, film, music, business, and hands-on workshops that spark genuine connection and broaden your perspective. 

You’ll progress through all language levels and enjoy opportunities for study abroad, community projects and cultural celebrations including Lunar New Year. 

By graduation, you’ll have the language proficiency and intercultural expertise valued in fields like business, journalism, education, computer science or government. Chinese is one of the official languages of the United Nations, providing a real advantage for global careers. 

See the curriculum.

Immerse yourself in Japanese language and culture. This concentration combines intensive language training with rich, hands-on cultural experiences. Students progress in speaking, reading and writing Japanese while also gaining deeper insights into Japanese traditions and contemporary life. Program Highlights

  • Take engaging courses – kanji through calligraphy, Japanese culture through manga and short stories. Japanese cuisine, pop culture and conversation in Japanese in class and at the Japanese Language Circle.
  • Collaborate with local Asian American organizations for real-world experience

Graduates are equipped for success in fields such as business, education, tourism, media and government. Many teach in Japan through the prestigious Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program. 

See the curriculum.

Explore the Korean concentration and experience one of Asia’s most vibrant cultures on every level – from beginner to advanced language courses. Enjoy interactive classes that bring Korean to life through engaging, hands-on activities like K-pop dance, Korean cooking, holiday celebrations and language circles. Explore current topics in Korean pop culture, film, media and daily life, while building practical skills and confidence in speaking, reading and writing. 

Beyond the classroom, join the Korean student club, connect with local Korean American communities, and collaborate with Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations. Participate in community events, multicultural festivals, and faculty-led projects that foster genuine cultural exchange and engagement. 

By graduation, you’ll have the language proficiency and cultural insight needed for a range of futures – business, government, education, travel and tourism, interpretation and translation, and more. 

See the curriculum.

The Minor in Asian Studies is an 18-credit program designed for students looking to enhance their academic journey with a broad understanding of Asia. This minor allows you to:

  • Focus a segment of your university experience on Asian cultures, societies and histories
  • Develop in-depth knowledge of the political, social, economic and global influences shaping Asian nations and identities
  • Explore key issues and perspectives relevant to one of the world’s most dynamic and influential regions
  • Add a global dimension to any major, preparing for graduate study or careers in international fields, business, policy or education

With courses across disciplines like cultural studies, history, humanities, political science, and religion, the Asian Studies Minor builds analytical skills and broadens your worldview. 

See the curriculum.

The Minor in Asian Languages is an 18-credit program offering the unique opportunity to develop proficiency in two Asian languages. In this minor, you will:

  • Choose a concentration in Chinese, Japanese or Korean, building a strong foundation in your primary language
  • Study a second Asian language (Chinese, Japanese or Korean) for a well-rounded linguistic toolkit
  • Gain cultural and communicative competence across at least two languages, increasing your versatility for work and travel
  • Prepare for advanced study, international careers or roles in multicultural environments by combining practical language skills with cultural insight

The Asian Languages Minor is ideal if you want to connect with diverse communities, broaden your career options, or enrich your major with valuable language abilities. 

See the curriculum.

close-up of a hand holding a brush pen, writing in Hangul.

Connect with campus culture and make new friends by joining our Asian Languages Clubs: the Chinese Heritage and Cultural Society, the Japanese Language Circle, Japan Club, K-Talk!, and the Korean Culture and Language Association. Experience hands-on language practice, cultural celebrations and student-led events.

Asian Languages Clubs

Two students wearing colorful traditional Korean hanbok and robes posing with arms outstretched in front of the Student Center.

Korean Day Celebration

During a Korean Day celebration, students don traditional hanbok. Everyone on campus is welcome to participate in the Asian culture festivities, enjoying traditional crafts and exploring the richness of the cultures together.

A group of students stands around a table making sushi using bamboo mats and hands, picking up fillings with chopsticks. Various sushi ingredients such as cucumber and carrot sticks, egg slices as well as bowls and plates are arranged on the table. The activity takes place in a classroom with others participating in the background.

Japanese Language Circle – Sushi Making

At the Japanese Language Circle, students learn to make sushi together, exploring Japanese culture and building community through shared food traditions.

Students showing calendars written with Chinese blessings at a Chinese Calligraphy Workshop.

Chinese Calligraphy

As part of Lunar New Year celebrations, students write Chinese blessings in calligraphy and design their own calendars.

Student practices a high kick during a taekwondo demonstration outdoors at a campus event.

Taekwondo Workshop

Students try their skills in a taekwondo demonstration – one of many interactive Korean culture festivities on campus that welcome and engage all Montclair students, fostering hands-on learning and cultural appreciation.

Related Programs

Studying world languages and cultures opens doors to new career and travel opportunities, gives you a competitive edge in today’s multicultural society, and strengthens your communication and cultural understanding. In our interactive language classes, you’ll make cross-cultural connections, discover new perspectives, and join a welcoming, supportive community that values curiosity and inter-cultural connections.

Featured Faculty

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Bridging Cultures, Enriching Perspectives

Inspired by a transformative trip to Japan in 2015, Katherine Martinez returned to school to pursue her passion for cultural understanding and global perspectives. Katherine aspires to become an event coordinator, fostering connections between Japan and the United States, and is committed to bridging cultural differences in today’s interconnected world.

Choosing this major has been a truly enriching journey, expanding my knowledge of history, traditions and global cultures. Through my courses, I have deepened my appreciation for the rich tapestry of our world.

Katherine Martinez

Program: Asian Language and Culture Major with a concentration in Japanese; minor in International Business:

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