Japanese
Degree Types: Bachelor of ArtsMinor
The Japanese program provides students with an opportunity to concentrate on acquiring expertise in an important modern language and its culture. Giving students a strong working knowledge of the Japanese language and understanding of Japanese culture, the program can help prepare students for work in contexts where the language and culture are pertinent, to live and work in Japan as informed and capable individuals equipped with appropriate intercultural skills and awareness, or for graduate study in Japan-related fields. Graduates may work in government service, domestic and foreign offices, or international agencies. Many go on to teach English in Japan or to do translation work. Employment may also be available with trade organizations, international banking houses, or U.S. companies abroad. Domestic and multinational companies are increasingly seeking employees with backgrounds in multicultural studies as a way of dealing with the global market.
With a degree in Japanese, you’ll gain key transferable skills like:
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail and Organizational Skills
- Research and Analytical Skill
- Adaptability
Questions?
Future students
contact the Liberal Arts Recruitment Team.
Current students
contact your academic adviser.
This program is housed
in the Department of Asian Studies
at Penn State University Park.
Explore Interests Related to Japanese
Studies linguistic structures, fluency, and cultural expression. Prepares students to engage in cross-cultural communication, translate cultural narratives, and create media content for diverse audiences worldwide.
Focuses on the Japanese language, culture, and history. Prepares students to foster international relationships, engage in cultural exchange programs, and influence media and diplomatic discussions with Japan.
About the Program
You might like this program if
- You are interested in Japanese language, culture, history, or society
- You want to live or work in Japan
- You are aiming for a career involving travel to Japan and interaction with native speakers of Japanese
What you can explore
- Japanese Language
- Japanese Film, Culture, and Media
- Samurai/Warrior Culture
- Japanese Cultural History from Gods to Godzilla
- Japan in Asia and the World
- Contemporary Japanese Society
Pair it with a popular double major or minor
- Asian Studies
- International Politics
- Political Science
- Economics
- Global and International Studies
Out-of-Classroom Experiences
Education Abroad Opportunities
Post-Graduation Opportunities
Continuing Education
- Law school
- Business School
- International Affairs Program
- Graduate education in Art History, Anthropology, History, Literature, Linguistics, Political Science, Sociology, etc.
Job Titles
- Human Resources and Business Consultant
- Media and Communications Director
- Translator or Interpreter
- Foreign Legal Consultant
- Corporate Counsel
- Language Teacher
- Sales Manager
- Professor
Industries
Business Analysis, Corporate Strategy, Education, Marketing
Employers
- Deloitte
- Subaru of America
- CRDF Global
- The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme
- JPMorgan
- Chase & Co
- Air Products
- U.S. Marine Corps
- Universities