The Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures offers undergraduate majors and minors in our three linguistic and cultural traditions, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, in addition to a major and minor in the interdisciplinary program East Asian Studies. A major in one of the languages opens up career opportunities in diplomacy, business, law, journalism, and higher education, in addition to preparation for further study in the relevant languages and cultures. A major entails advanced training in the chosen language and a sound background in the relevant literature. Students are encouraged to enhance their cultural knowledge by enrolling in cultural-related courses offered through other departments and programs, such as Anthropology, Art History, Film and Media Studies, History, Performing Arts, and Religious Studies.

Majors are highly encouraged to participate in Washington University-approved summer, semester, or academic year study-abroad programs as an important way to develop both their practical knowledge and their cultural sensitivity.