Build analytical insight and communication skills to shape policy, bridge cultures, and pioneer new ventures abroad.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Chinese Language and Culture in the College of Letters & Science provides training in speaking, reading, and writing the relevant modern Chinese languages and a basic familiarity with one or more of the language's earlier forms. Students complete the major by selecting from a broad range of courses in literature, popular cultures, philosophy, and linguistics, both in translation and the original languages.
The Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community for our undergraduate students. We believe in the importance of connection and host events such as EALC Talks!, an informal lunchtime talk series for faculty, students, and staff to share their research and projects.
Highlights
- Hear from leading scholars in the EALC Talks! series.
- Help other students learn Chinese as a language tutor.
- Study abroad while completing Chinese Language and Culture classes.
Curriculum
The Chinese Language and Culture major is designed to train students in the humanistic investigation of major East Asian traditions. This is achieved through a curriculum that centers on the acquisition of the modern and classical forms of the language, the informed and engaged reading of a wide variety of East Asian texts in their historical and cultural contexts, and the development of effective writing skills and critical thinking. Students are introduced to the vast and diverse literary, artistic, philosophical, and cultural traditions of East Asia and their transformations in modern times. Course offerings position the study of East Asia within a global context, exposing students to a range of disciplinary and comparative approaches.
Learn more at ealc.berkeley.edu/programs/undergraduate/
Study Options
The Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures offers undergraduate majors in Chinese Language and Culture, Japanese Language and Culture, Korean Language and Culture (new), East Asian Religion, Thought and Culture, and East Asian Humanities, as well as Mongolian and Tibetan language and literature courses. Students come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and many are double majors in a broad spectrum of other departments and programs. The department also offers minors in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean
Declaring the Major
Upon acceptance to UC Berkeley, you will enter the College of Letters & Science as an undeclared student. To officially declare your major in Chinese Language and Culture, please schedule an appointment with the Department Advisor. This meeting will help you create a personalized program of study, or you can declare your major after completing the necessary prerequisites.
If you are considering a major in Chinese Language and Culture, consult with the Department Advisor regarding major requirements, transfer credits, and any other academic inquiries. We encourage you to begin your preparations for the major as early as possible to fulfill requirements set by the University, college, and department.
Students majoring in Chinese Language and Culture develop communication and critical thinking skills transferable to various careers and professions. Program alumni work in a diverse range of fields, including education, translation, diplomacy, journalism, travel, and more. They pursue advanced degrees in Asian studies, business, foreign language, law, and other disciplines. Alumni also pursue post-graduate opportunities such as professional fellowships and public service programs.
UC Berkeley offers several career resources for students studying Chinese Language and Culture. The College of Letters & Science spotlights career pathways for students in the Arts & Humanities and offers advising for undergraduates pursuing medical or health professions programs, law school, or master's and PhD programs. Additionally, Berkeley Career Engagement provides career and graduate school advising, job and internship listings, and events such as career and graduate school fairs.
Employment
Alumni find employment in a variety of fields and industries after graduation. Examples include:
- Chinese Language Teacher
- Diplomat
- Foreign Business Consultant
- Foreign Service Officer
- Intelligence Analyst
- International Media Researcher
- International Policy Analyst
- International Tour Guide
- Interpreter
- Journalist
- NGO Worker
- Study Abroad Program Coordinator
- Trade Specialist
- Translator
- Travel Consultant
Graduate Study
Alumni pursue graduate education to gain more depth of knowledge in their field as well as prepare for jobs that require advanced degrees. Examples include:
- Asian Studies
- Buddhist Studies
- Business
- Chinese
- Law
Clara, class of 2025
Clara (Gi-yan) So graduated with a double major in Chinese and Psychology, and served as a Student Liaison to the Center for Chinese Studies.
“I began my journey in studying Chinese here at Cal ever since taking CHINESE 7A in my freshman year. Despite coming from Hong Kong and having some background in studying Chinese…the Chinese major at Cal offered me an unprecedented experience that I never had before, and it is truly a hidden gem among all the majors. Ultimately, this major has allowed me to explore (and re-explore) new perspectives on the Chinese language, its literature, and its culture in ways I never have imagined before!”
First Year
Plan Your Studies
- Start exploring with L&S 1 and first-year guides from L&S and Arts & Humanities.
- Visit L&S Advising for help with major exploration and degree requirements.
- Familiarize yourself with the Chinese major; begin the language sequence with CHINESE 1A and 1B (take the Chinese placement exam if you have prior experience) and enroll in CHINESE 7A and 7B (Chinese Literature).
- Discover new interests in a Freshman Seminar, Berkeley Changemaker, or A&H Compass or Gateway course.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Get involved with a student organization like the EALC Undergraduate Student Association.
- Join Berkeley Connect for 1:1 mentoring and to meet peers with shared interests.
- Visit Berkeley Discovery to get started with research, entrepreneurship, public service, and creative projects.
- Learn how to prepare for office hours and build relationships with faculty.
- Sign up for the EALC email list.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Visit UHS Career Counseling and Berkeley Career Engagement.
- Start exploring career paths related to the major; check out career resources on the Arts & Humanities website.
- Begin making a plan to get career-ready.
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Use Handshake to start connecting with career events and opportunities.
Second Year
Plan Your Studies
- Continue with lower division prerequisites and requirements (CHINESE 10A and 10B language courses); take an upper division EALANG requirement.
- Look into study abroad; explore options in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, as well as scholarships from Freeman-ASIA and Boren Awards.
- Enrich your studies with a course thread, certificate, or minor such as Buddhist Studies.
- Meet with your major advisor to declare the major.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Attend an event at the Center for Chinese Studies or a department event such as EALC Talks!
- Develop your skills in the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy.
- Pay a visit to the East Asian Library.
- Explore research opportunities on the OURS website; apply to URAP to work on a faculty research project.
- Look into the Scott Scholarship and IEAS Undergraduate Research Award; apply for a FLAS award.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Meet with a BCE career educator to discuss career options and goals.
- Build your network and explore career fields via job shadowing and informational interviews.
- Pursue an internship to build skills and explore fields.
- Considering graduate school? Explore resources from the Graduate Division, L&S Advising, and BCE, and consider the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship.
Third Year
Plan Your Studies
- Begin upper division requirements, including courses in Advanced Chinese, Classical Chinese, and Modern Chinese; take an upper division elective.
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
- Develop your writing and critical thinking in an Art of Writing seminar.
- Spend a term off-campus with UCDC or the Intercampus Visitor Program.
- Consider applying to the EALC Honors Program; look into the Haas Scholars and SURF programs.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Help other students as a member of the A&H Dean’s Leadership Team.
- Check out the Public Service Internship, College Corps, and Haas Public Service Leaders Program.
- Work as a language tutor for Chinese courses.
- Welcome new students to Berkeley as a Golden Bear Orientation Leader.
- Share your language skills in the SLC Language Exchange Program.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Speak with faculty, advisors, and career educators about post-graduate options.
- Join a professional association such as the American Mandarin Society.
- Interested in public service careers? Consider applying to the John Gardner Fellowship, Huntington Award, or Truman Scholarship.
- Look into Schwarzman and Yenching Scholars for master’s study in Beijing.
Fourth Year
Plan Your Studies
- Enroll in an upper division EALANG course if you haven’t already done so.
- Finish all upper division requirements and electives.
- Join a thesis writing workshop at the Townsend Center or the Student Learning Center.
- Complete any remaining degree requirements and prepare for graduation.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Submit a course research project for the Y.R. Chao Prize, Library Prize, or American Cultures Student Prize.
- Interested in teaching? Give it a try by teaching your own DeCal course.
- Get published! Submit your thesis or research paper to the Berkeley Undergraduate Journal.
- Pursue a special project after graduation with the Stronach Prize.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Check in with a BCE career educator.
- Start connecting with alumni groups and events.
- Apply to graduate school or post-graduate programs such as Luce Scholars and the Blakemore Freeman Fellowship.
- Meet employers at info sessions, on-campus recruiting, and career fairs.
- Utilize job search tools from BCE and apply for job opportunities.
- Learn about alumni career services.
Summer
- Prepare for enrollment with your college advisor in Golden Bear Advising.
- Make progress on degree requirements with a Summer Sessions course such as CHINESE 1A or 1B.
- Study in China through UCEAP or the Critical Language Scholarship Program.
- Pursue a summer minor or certificate—check out programs in Teaching English and Journalism.
- Apply to the GiGS program to learn about graduate school.
First Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Get your bearings with L&S 198 Transitioning to Cal and transfer guides from L&S and Arts & Humanities.
- Meet with your major advisor to create a program plan and declare the major.
- Take the Chinese placement exam if you have prior experience.
- Complete any necessary lower division prerequisites and requirements, including CHINESE 7A (Chinese Literature); begin upper division coursework.
- Meet with a college advisor to discuss your academic plans.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Get involved with a student organization like the EALC Undergraduate Student Association.
- Find support at the Transfer Student Center or the Re-entry Student Program.
- Join Berkeley Connect for 1:1 mentoring and to meet peers with shared interests.
- Visit Berkeley Discovery to get started with research, entrepreneurship, public service, and creative projects.
- Learn how to prepare for office hours and build relationships with faculty.
- Sign up for the EALC email list.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Visit UHS Career Counseling and Berkeley Career Engagement.
- Begin exploring career paths related to the major; check out career resources on the Arts & Humanities website.
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Use Handshake to start connecting with career events and opportunities.
- Meet with a BCE career educator to discuss career options and goals.
Second Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Focus on language and EALANG courses, and upper division electives; complete CHINESE 7B (Chinese Literature).
- Look into study abroad; explore options in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, as well as scholarships from Freeman-ASIA and Boren Awards.
- Enrich your studies with a course thread, certificate, or minor such as Buddhist Studies.
- Consider applying to the EALC Honors Program; look into the Haas Scholars and SURF programs.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Attend an event at the Center for Chinese Studies or a department event such as EALC Talks!
- Explore research opportunities on the OURS website; apply to URAP to work on a faculty research project.
- Pay a visit to the East Asian Library.
- Check out the Public Service Internship, College Corps, and Haas Public Service Leaders Program.
- Look into the Scott Scholarship and IEAS Undergraduate Research Award; apply for a FLAS award.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Build your network and explore career fields via job shadowing and informational interviews.
- Pursue an internship to develop skills and explore fields.
- Considering graduate school? Explore resources from the Graduate Division, L&S Advising, and BCE.
- Speak with faculty, advisors, and career educators about post-graduate options.
- Look into Schwarzman and Yenching Scholars for master’s study in Beijing.
Third Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Continue fulfilling upper division requirements; enroll in an upper division EALANG course if you haven’t completed one yet.
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
- Develop your writing and critical thinking in an Art of Writing seminar.
- Spend a term off-campus with UCDC or the Intercampus Visitor Program.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Help other students as a Transfer Peer Advocate or member of the A&H Dean’s Leadership Team.
- Develop your skills in the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy.
- Work as a language tutor for Chinese courses.
- Welcome new students to Berkeley as a Golden Bear Orientation Leader.
- Share your language skills in the SLC Language Exchange Program.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Check in with a BCE career educator.
- Join a professional association such as the American Mandarin Society.
- Interested in public service careers? Consider applying to the John Gardner Fellowship, Huntington Award, or Truman Scholarship.
- Apply to graduate school or post-graduate programs such as Luce Scholars and the Blakemore Freeman Fellowship.
Fourth Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Finish all upper division requirements and electives.
- Join a thesis writing workshop at the Townsend Center or Student Learning Center.
- Complete any remaining degree requirements and prepare for graduation.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Submit a course research project for the Y.R. Chao Prize, Library Prize, or American Cultures Student Prize.
- Interested in teaching? Give it a try by teaching your own DeCal course.
- Get published! Submit your thesis or research paper to the Berkeley Undergraduate Journal.
- Pursue a special project after graduation with the Stronach Prize.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Meet employers at info sessions, on-campus recruiting, and career fairs.
- Utilize job search tools from BCE and apply for job opportunities.
- Start connecting with alumni groups and events.
- Learn about alumni career services.
Summer
- Get ready for Berkeley with RHETOR 100 Writing at the University.
- Prepare for enrollment with your major advisor in Golden Bear Advising.
- Thinking about a PhD? Apply to the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship before your first semester.
- Make progress on degree requirements with a Summer Sessions course such as CHINESE 7A or 7B.
- Study in China through UCEAP or the Critical Language Scholarship Program.
- Pursue a summer minor or certificate—check out programs in Teaching English and Journalism.
- Apply to the GiGS program to learn about graduate school.
Undergraduate Advising
Have questions about Chinese Language and Culture or choosing a major?
The Department of East Asian Language and Cultures offers undergraduate advising for students planning to major in Chinese Language and Culture or other EALC majors. The Department Advisor for undergraduate students is available for in-person and remote appointments to answer general questions about EALC programs and for support navigating the University. For advising hours and contact information, visit ealc.berkeley.edu.
The College of Letters & Science helps students with non-major-specific academic topics, including major exploration, general program planning, finding campus resources, and pre-professional graduate programs. L&S College Advisors are available for in-person and virtual meetings. Visit lsadvising.berkeley.edu or email asklns@berkeley.edu.
Related Programs
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