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College of Arts & Sciences

Chinese Studies

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Why pursue a Chinese degree at North Central College?

Chinese speakers are in high demand in international business, education, government, travel and entertainment worldwide. Learning Chinese extends beyond language fluency building critical thinking skills that are transferable to many career fields. Individuals that can speak, read, write and understand Chinese will find that the knowledge of the Chinese language is often a priority to a potential employer over other job skills for positions they may be applying for. This program is designed to provide robust language skills along with the experiences necessary to succeed in a global environment.

At North Central College you will acquire the skills necessary to live and work in a global community. You will also gain exposure to cultural perspectives that will provide an in depth understanding of the Chinese culture and how to operate within it. Whatever you choose to do with what you learn, studying Chinese is sure to provide a wide variety of rewarding employment opportunities as a result of this in demand degree program.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Leading global marketing for companies with locations, clients or customers in China
  • Researching and analyzing financial opportunities to assist international companies with making informed business decisions
  • Working or studying abroad using both English and Chinese languages to educate others

then a degree in CHINESE might be for you.

Why study Chinese at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

  • 28 or more credit hours taught in Chinese
  • China Today
  • Chinese Enrichment
  • Chinese History
  • Chinese Practicum
  • Internship
  • Professional Portfolio
  • Religious Harmony in China
  • Understanding China

Beyond the Classroom

As a Chinese major, you can:

  • Participate in internships with Chinese-American companies.
  • Pursue certification in Chinese
  • Study abroad at prestigious universities in China
  • Earn an English language learner (ELL) minor if you plan to teach abroad
  • Participate in cultural immersion experiences with nearby Chinese communities.
  • Enjoy the Chinese Corner’s speakers and cultural events, including its Chinese New Year celebration.
  • Take advantage of on-campus tutoring options and the Roberta I. Myers Language Resource Center.
  • Qualify for induction into Phi Sigma Iota, the honor society open to students studying Chinese.

More Department info

Chinese, B.A.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Modern and Classical Languages.

The Chinese major consists of a minimum of thirty-three credits at or above the 102 level, with at least twenty-eight credits taught in Chinese. This major will automatically satisfy the elementary competency in a foreign language requirement of the B.A. degree as noted in the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog

Chinese Courses

One of the following:

At least two credits from one of the following areas:

Enrichment

Internship

Practicum

Additional Requirements

Semester Study Abroad

Complete a semester study abroad program in a Chinese-speaking environment or complete 12 credits from the following:

Note:

*CHNS May Term coursework may count toward the major as long as all course work is completed in Chinese

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Chinese Minor

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Modern and Classical Languages.

A minimum of 24 credit hours in Chinese, including four credit hours at the 300-level or above and one of CHNS 105 - China Today or CHNS 205 - Understanding China.

Chinese Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.

Internships

Recent graduates in Chinese have served as:

  • Marketing intern, Ai Media Group, Beijing, China
  • Logistics intern, C.H. Robinson International, Tuttlingen, Germany
  • Finance intern to second vice president of Wealth Management, Smith Barney, Citigroup, Naperville
  • Program intern, STARTALK Summer Language Program, North Central College

Graduate schools

Recent graduates in Chinese have been accepted at:

  • University of Illinois, East Asian Languages and Cultures
  • Valparaiso University, IN, Chinese studies
  • National Taiwan Normal University

Careers

Recent graduates in Chinese are employed at:

  • 777 Operations business & planning analyst, The Boeing Company, leadership development program
  • Chinese contract analyst, Infor Global Solutions
     

Invest in your future

Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College

Apply to North Central College

The first step to becoming a North Central student is reading the application instructions specific to you. Find out everything you need to know about applying by selecting the group you belong to below.