Chinese Language and Culture

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.
Immerse yourself in China’s deep past, understand its present-day complexity, and prepare for a global future.
Andrew Jones, Professor of East Asian Languages and Cultures

Undergraduate Program

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.

What Can I Do With My Major?

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

Spotlight

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!”

Four-Year Student Timeline

First Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Second Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Third Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Fourth Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Summer

Transfer Student Timeline

First Semester

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Second Semester

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Third Semester

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Fourth Semester

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Summer

Learn More

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

Looking for programs similar to Chinese Language and Culture? UC Berkeley also offers the following major, minor, and certificate programs: