Korean

The Korean 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 Korean language and understanding of Korean culture, the program can help prepare students for work in contexts where the language and culture are pertinent, to live and work in Korea as informed and capable individuals equipped with appropriate intercultural skills and awareness, or for graduate study in Korea-related fields. Graduates may work in government service, domestic and foreign offices, or international agencies. Many go on to teach English in Korea 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.
Degree Types: Bachelor of Arts, Minor
Korean BA

Explore Interests Related to Korean

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. 

Studies the Korean language, literature, and culture. Prepares students to contribute to international trade, diplomacy, and media projects, promoting understanding between Korea and the rest of the world.

Degree Options

  • Asian Studies

About the Program

You might like this program if…

  • You are interested in Korean language, culture, history, or society.
  • You want to live or work in Korea.
  • You are aiming for a career involving travel to Korea and interaction with native speakers of Korean.
  • Communication Skills
  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
  • Attention to Detail and Organizational Skills
  • Research and Analytical Skills
  • Interpersonal Skills

Coursework

  • Korean popular culture
  • Korean literature, film, and media
  • Korean food
  • Korean history, linguistics, and language of all levels

Out-of-Classroom Experiences

  • Penn State Global
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art
  • U.S.-ASEAN Business Council
  • International companies and nonprofits like United Nations

Career Paths

  • Law school
  • Graduate school to study history, sociology, international politics and relations, or Korean language and culture
  • International Recruitment Specialist
  • Government Relations Coordinator
  • General Affairs and Training Manager
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • ESL Instructor
  • Linguist
  • Legislative Aid
Business, Diplomacy, Education (K-12), Entertainment, Higher Education, Human Resources and Recruiting, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Teaching English in Korea
  • Deloitte
  • Microsoft
  • EY
  • U.S. Air Force
  • U.S. Army
  • Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
  • U.S. Department of State
  • United Nations

Have questions about this program?

This program is housed 

in the Department of Asian Studies 
at Penn State University Park.
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