Chinese Language

Undergraduate Program

Introduction to the Major

The Chinese Language major focuses on the humanistic investigation of major East Asian traditions by teaching students the modern and classical forms of the language; reading texts in their historical and cultural contexts; and introducing students to the vast array of literary, artistic, philosophical, and cultural traditions of East Asia and their transformations in modernity.

UC Berkeley is a world-renowned center for the study of East Asian Humanities. Whether you want to master Chinese, immerse yourself in the literary and cultural traditions of East Asia, absorb the profound insights of its philosophical and poetic texts, or come to a deeper understanding of the modern and contemporary histories and media cultures of this complex and vital region, East Asian Languages and Cultures department (EALC) has something for you.

Additional Options

  • If you are interested in the language or culture but choose not to major in Chinese, ask about our minors in Buddhist Studies, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Tibetan.

  • If you are interested in the Chinese language and wish to focus on religion and philosophy, consider the East Asian Religion, Thought and Culture major.

Amplify Your Major

EALC not only nurtures me into a young scholar but also a more complete person.
Yisheng Tang, EALC graduate

Four-Year Student Timeline

First Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

  • Listen to guest speakers at a Center for Chinese Studies lecture

  • Discover student organizations at the Calapalooza fair.

  • Get matched with a graduate student mentor through Berkeley Connect.

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

  • Check out and get involved with Words in Action hosted by Berkeley Language Center.

  • Engage in community service through the Public Service Center

  • Visit the Student Union to engage with on-campus events and social centers.

  • Visit the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco.

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Second Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

  • Connect with campus organizations, student government, and co-curricular activities through the LEAD Center

  • Apply to become a language tutor within the department. 

  • Go to office hours to build connections with professors and graduate student instructors.

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Third Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

  • Browse the Friends + Partners research institutes associated with EALC. 
  • Connect with faculty members for advice on researching topics you might be interested in. 

  • Apply for fellowships to fund your own research project.

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Fourth Year

Explore Your Major

  • Do a degree check to ensure you are on track to graduate.

  • Finish upper division requirements.

  • Check-in with an L&S advisor and major advisor to ensure you are on track to fulfill all college and major requirements.

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

  • Pursue fellowships as an option after Berkeley.

  • Explore gap year opportunities that you may wish to pursue before your next big adventure.

  • Go on service trips over spring or winter break with the Alternative Breaks program.

Reflect and Plan Your Future

  • Boost your Networking skills. Attend events with Berkeley alumni.

  • Utilize job board tools in your job search.

  • Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. 

  • Apply to jobs, graduate school and other opportunities.

What Can I Do With My Major?

Jobs and Employers

  • Career in Corporate Environment

  • English Teacher

  • Import/Export Business

Graduate Programs

  • Business School

  • Law School

  • MA in Asian Studies

  • PhD in Buddhist Studies

  • PhD in Chinese

Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey of recent Berkeley graduates. 

Learn More

Connect With Us

Cal Day 

Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.

Golden Bear Orientation

Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation program for all new students.

Events

Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit ealc.berkeley.edu for news and updates.

Advising

Students can drop in to 3413 Dwinelle Hall to speak with an advisor, call (510) 642-3480, or email questions to ealc-advising@berkeley.edu

Advising Drop-In Hours

Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm, 1-4pm

How to Use this Map

Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.