華盛頓州立大學

Students in the School of Languages, Cultures, and Race (SLCR) study languages other than English, as well as the cultures where these languages are spoken. The study of Japanese allows for direct access to people and cultures other than one’s own and helps develop international understanding and sensitivity.

We live in a complex world where global awareness, cultural understanding, and intercultural communication are vital aspects of business, government, and education, indeed of all human interaction. This field of study provides the training necessary to flourish in this competitive environment.

Strengths of the program

Japanese is an excellent complement to other disciplines, including business, communications, management and information systems, engineering, history, veterinary medicine, and agriculture.
Study abroad for a summer or semester in Japan. Study abroad provides a wide range of opportunities for adventuring, learning, and engaging with the Japanese language and culture. Students can earn course credit while studying abroad in Japan.

Requirements and core courses

To attain a bachelor of arts in foreign languages and cultures with a major in Japanese, students must complete 34 total credits of Japanese courses and complete the exit proficiency exam at the end of the academic term they finish their last course for their major.

Japanese major students must complete either a minor in a second foreign language, a concentration of at least 16 credits in a related field, or a second major.

Careers in foreign languages

With a degree in foreign languages and cultures, you can advance your career in:

Public relations, marketing, and advertising
International business, banking, and finance
Travel, tourism, and hospitality
Health and social services
Science, engineering, and technology
Music, film, drama, entertainment, photography
Journalism, publishing, and editing
Translation and interpretation in healthcare and legal professions
Education/teaching in middle school, high school, and college
Customer service and personnel management
Customs and immigration
Law enforcement
Intelligence (CIA, FBI, National Security)
Peace Corps and aid agencies

Skills you can market with a degree in foreign languages and cultures:

Proficiency in a language other than English
Cross-cultural communication
Awareness of cultural differences and sensitivity to cultural issues
Global experience
Ability to adjust to new environments
Ability to interact effectively with people of different backgrounds
Enhanced speaking and writing abilities
Enhanced reading and listening comprehension skills
Independent, critical, and creative thinking with increased analytical and problem-solving skills