Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language and Literature

UMass Amherst offers a rich and challenging major in Chinese language and literature. As a student, you’ll take intensive language courses that ensure you are proficient after four years of study. You’ll also choose from a broad array of courses in topics such as literary history, linguistics, teaching Chinese as a second language, classical language and literature, philosophy, business, and media. Because of the rigorous language requirements, it usually takes a student with no language background at least seven semesters to complete the major.

You may also consider the interdisciplinary major in linguistics and Chinese offered by the linguistics program as well as our Chinese teacher licensure program. Through related programs offered by UMass and the Five Colleges, you can enhance your education with a certificate in Asian & Asian American studies, Buddhist studies, international relations, interpreting studies, or religious studies.

A knowledge of Chinese language and culture provides excellent career prospects and our students go on to work in education, travel, public relations, publishing, business, finance, government, and international relations.