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
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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.
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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
- Visit the Institute of East Asian Studies, the C.V. Starr East Asian Library, and other Friends+Partners of EALC.
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Get support to further your studies in Chinese culture and history by applying to The Anne H. Scott Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship in Chinese Studies.
First Year
Explore Your Major
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Take the Chinese language placement exam
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Review your Chinese major and college requirements
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Enroll in a Freshman Seminar
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Map out a 4-year plan in CalCentral
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Visit Berkeley’s C.V. Starr East Asian Library.
Connect and Build Community
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Listen to guest speakers at a Center for Chinese Studies lecture
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Discover student organizations at the Calapalooza fair.
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Get matched with a graduate student mentor through Berkeley Connect.
Discover Your Passions
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Visit the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarships to learn about research opportunities and resources on campus.
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Take L&S1 for an introduction to the college.
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Explore new topics in student-facilitated DeCal courses.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Check out and get involved with Words in Action hosted by Berkeley Language Center.
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Engage in community service through the Public Service Center
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Visit the Student Union to engage with on-campus events and social centers.
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Visit the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Develop a plan for getting career ready.
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Map your skills and talents to career goals with the help of the Career Counseling Library
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Join Handshake to find Berkeley-specific internships and career development workshops.
Second Year
Explore Your Major
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Finish lower division requirements.
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Consider a minor, summer minor, or certificate to amplify your major.
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Visit BAMPFA and take advantage of their frequent exhibits.
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Discover scholarly resources from the Institute of East Asian Studies.
Connect and Build Community
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Connect with campus organizations, student government, and co-curricular activities through the LEAD Center
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Apply to become a language tutor within the department.
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Go to office hours to build connections with professors and graduate student instructors.
Discover Your Passions
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Assist a professor in their research through the Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program
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Follow a Course Thread of your interest.
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Consider taking a Big Ideas course to connect the dots between disciplines.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Study abroad with Berkeley Study Abroad
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Volunteer on campus or in the community.
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Do K-12 outreach through the Institute of East Asian Studies.
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Learn the history of Chinese immigration to the U.S. at the Chinese Historical Society of America and on Angel Island.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Meet alumni and learn about their careers in the Career Connections Networking Series
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Shadow alumni in the Cal Job Shadow Program
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Conduct informational interviews with people in careers you are curious about.
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Attend internship fairs to find internship opportunities.
Third Year
Explore Your Major
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Explore the courses offered by the department.
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Learn about recent publications by East Asian Languages and Cultures faculty.
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Ask an undergraduate advisor about the honors program
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Use the resources at the Berkeley Language Center.
Connect and Build Community
- Give back by becoming a peer advisor, working at the Public Service Center, or becoming a tutor at the Student Learning Center.
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Become a Golden Bear Orientation Leader and welcome new students to the UC Berkeley campus and community.
Discover Your Passions
- Browse the Friends + Partners research institutes associated with EALC.
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Connect with faculty members for advice on researching topics you might be interested in.
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Apply for fellowships to fund your own research project.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Take classes at another UC or college through a visitor and exchange program
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Engage with East Asian Cultures in the Bay Area
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Study and intern in Washington D.C. with UCDC or Cal in the Capital
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Explore the Oakland Asian Cultural Center.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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View post-graduation data of Berkeley graduates to decide what you want to do.
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Practice yourinterviewing skillswith this online resource through Berkeley Career Engagement.
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Explore post-graduation options at career and graduate school fairs
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Ask professors and graduate student instructors for recommendation letters.
Fourth Year
Explore Your Major
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Do a degree check to ensure you are on track to graduate.
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Finish upper division requirements.
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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
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Join the SLC Language Exchange Program to learn and teach a language with a peer.
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Apply to become an L&S peer advisor.
Discover Your Passions
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Publish your work in the Berkeley Student Journal of Asian Studies
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Facilitate your own DeCal course on a topic you are interested in or passionate about.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Pursue fellowships as an option after Berkeley.
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Explore gap year opportunities that you may wish to pursue before your next big adventure.
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Go on service trips over spring or winter break with the Alternative Breaks program.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Boost your Networking skills. Attend events with Berkeley alumni.
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Utilize job board tools in your job search.
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Update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
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Apply to jobs, graduate school and other opportunities.
Jobs and Employers
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Career in Corporate Environment
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English Teacher
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Import/Export Business
Graduate Programs
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Business School
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Law School
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MA in Asian Studies
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PhD in Buddhist Studies
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PhD in Chinese
Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey of recent Berkeley graduates.
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.
