Learn about some of the oldest continuous civilizations in the world; develop an appreciation for the richness of East Asian literature, philosophy, and art; and learn a language that will grow your job prospects in an increasingly globalized workplace.
Students who study East Asian languages and literatures develop their critical thinking, become global citizens, and develop critical language skills while having fun. Students who develop proficiency in new languages fling open a door of expanded opportunities for their future.
A huge thank you to Portland real estate developer, philanthropist and UO alumnus Jordan Schnitzer and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, for a landmark $25 million gift to CAS that will empower future global leaders and problem solvers! The School of Global Studies and Languages is now named the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages, and we are truly excited to be a part of it!
Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, June 15th, 2025
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
East Campus Green
What You Can Do with a Degree in East Asian Languages and Literatures
What kind of career can you get with language skills? Studying East Asian languages and literatures can take you just about anywhere! Our alumni are traveling the world, making an impact in their communities, and building their careers as:
- Translators
- Social innovation business consultants
- Enterprise account managers
- Associate research analysts
- Project coordinators
- Acupuncturists
- Senior investigation specialists
East Asian Languages and Literatures at the UO
Many University of Oregon students currently major or minor in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean. Sometimes students move across fields and focus on studying the entire region. At the graduate level, the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures offers programs of study leading to a master's or doctorate, including studies in East Asian Linguistics.
How East Asian Languages and Literatures Helps Your Career
"Getting the opportunity to do research about Chinese history and culture in Mandarin has opened my world view in a lot of ways. It gives me access to so many different experiences and perspectives that I would never have encountered otherwise."
—Liz Haar, Chinese and linguistics major, '25
Learn from Experts in the Field
The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures is home to diverse opportunities for research, scholarship, and mentorship. Our faculty’s research and teaching interests cover the major fields, genres, and chronological divisions of Chinese and Japanese literatures, film, and cultural studies, as well as modern Korean studies.
Immerse Yourself in Another Culture
Studying East Asian languages abroad accelerates the development of speaking and comprehension skills while giving students a real-world experience within the culture they’re studying. Students in the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures can take advantage of numerous study abroad programs as well as other experiential learning opportunities.
Scholarships and Funding
The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures awards multiple scholarships to current undergraduate and graduate students. Learn more about available scholarships and eligibility requirements.
Academic Support
Our academic advisors can help students talk through their major or minor requirements, plan their course of study, explore study abroad opportunities, and more.
