The World Languages and Cultures department offers an Asian Languages and Cultures major with a concentration in Chinese and a Chinese language minor. The Chinese Program offers language courses at all levels, as well as courses on Chinese film, culture, and popular music. These courses enable students to achieve proficiency in reading, writing and speaking Mandarin and to acquire a fundamental knowledge of Chinese culture. Upon completing major requirements, students will be equipped with the necessary language skills and cultural understanding to further their studies or achieve their Asia-related career goals.
Our Chinese courses also count towards the Language, Business, and Culture Major with a Concentration in Chinese, the Asian Studies Minor, and the Asian Languages Minor.
Why Major or Double Major in this Program
Companies do business with people from all kinds of linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Professionals who can form personal connections with Chinese-speaking clients have a distinctive and marketable advantage. Because foreign language skills are instrumental to career advancement, a second major in Asian Language is an excellent complement to majors in other areas of study. Students who pursue a complementary major in an Asian language will receive a more well-rounded education, develop a wider range of communicative and cultural skills, and enjoy broader career options.
Double-majoring is achievable; plan ahead and talk to the Asian Languages and Cultures Program Coordinator as early as possible.
What Jobs Can I Get with Chinese Language Skills
Chinese language proficiency opens the door to many opportunities. Below are some examples of employers that value foreign language degree holders.
Business
International corporations and companies that maintain connections with Chinese-speaking populations need employees with Mandarin language skills. With more than 1.1 billion speakers worldwide, Mandarin is the second most commonly spoken language in the world after English. Those who can tap into such a huge market have a significant professional advantage.
Government
The government is always seeking new talent in foreign language and diplomacy. The Chinese language is “essential to America’s engagement with the world” (Critical Language Scholarship Program). Language students can also pursue careers in Security, Intelligence, Immigration, Law Enforcement, Customs and Borders, and Journalism.
Education
Chinese language proficiency is needed for those wishing to become a Chinese language educator and help prepare students to compete in a global economy. It is also possible to pursue a teaching career in Chinese-speaking countries or regions. Click here for more information on teaching programs.
Travel and Tourism
Successful travel and tourism businesses in the USA and in Chinese-speaking countries or regions need people who can connect and relate with tourists on a more personal level. Mandarin language skills open many doors in the hospitality industry.
Interpretation and Translation
Translators and interpreters can get jobs translating legal, medical, or literary documents, and even making movie subtitles. Social work is another area that needs foreign language skills.
Research
Professionals with a foreign language and culture background can contribute to research in the Social Sciences, which often requires the ability to interpret cultural-based data. Those pursuing graduate degrees in various areas also find it helpful to be able to read and communicate in multiple languages when conducting research.
Student Life
The Chinese program organizes a variety of fun and exciting cultural activities, including class trips to Chinese restaurants and to Chinatown in NYC, Chinese calligraphy and painting workshops, Tai-chi workshops, film screenings, karaoke singing and more.
Placement Test
Students who have prior experience in Mandarin should complete the online placement test and inform the Asian Languages and Cultures Program Coordinator of their test score for proper placement.
Community Service and Experiential Learning
The Chinese Program is committed to promoting diversity in the community and providing experiential learning. We engage community members by providing cultural activities at various occasions during which students learn through serving and doing. For example, we celebrated the Lunar New Year with high school students and the local community.
Study Abroad
Click here to explore study abroad programs.
If you would like to learn more about the Chinese Program at Montclair State University, contact Dr. Wing Shan Ho, Coordinator of the Asian Languages Programs.
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Chinese Program Photo Gallery
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Chinese Calendar with Calligraphy writing.
Chinese Class Photo.
Chinese Program News
- Celebrating Asian Heritage: A Journey of Cultural Exploration at a Local Elementary SchoolThursday June 8, 2023
- Chinese Program Celebrates Lunar New Year with High School StudentsMonday February 6, 2023
- Faculty and Students Join Montclair Art Museum Lunar New Year CelebrationMonday February 6, 2023
- Montclair State University Student Earns U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship (CLS)Tuesday July 27, 2021
