Chinese & Chinese Studies

Undergraduate Major & Minor College of Liberal Studies

Bachelor of Arts

Students chatting and smiling with one another while studying abroad in China

About:

China is the world’s most populous country and one of the fastest-growing economies on the planet. As this global superpower continues to shape politics, culture, and trade in the 21st century, people everywhere are looking for graduates who understand China.

At PLU, the Chinese Studies Program gives you a strong foundation in the Chinese language, culture, and history — while also letting you explore China’s religious and philosophical worldview and its unique economic system.

As a Chinese Studies student, you’ll dive into courses in Chinese language, history, and religion, with the option to branch out into political science, the arts, business, and more. If you’re interested in building an international career connected to China, this program opens the door.

Skills you'll gain from this program:

Chinese Language Proficiency — earn how to communicate in Chinese, one of the most spoken languages in the world.
Cultural Understanding — Explore Chinese history, traditions, art, and philosophy to better understand how culture shapes everyday life and global perspectives.
Global Awareness — Understand how China influences international politics, business, and trade, preparing you to engage with today’s interconnected world.
Interdisciplinary Thinking — Connect language and culture with fields like religion, business, anthropology, and the arts for a well-rounded perspective.
Career Readiness — Develop language, cross-cultural communication, research, and critical thinking skills that open doors in business, government, education, and nonprofit sectors — both in the U.S. and abroad.

Graduates from the last 5 years: Their jobs

Community Fundraising Director, Stonewall Youth
GO CX Quality Operations Associate, Amazon
Quality Analytics Engineer, Simplenight
Second Lieutenant, Army National Guard
Senior Program Director, YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties
University Advising Coordinator, Seattle University
Business Central Functional Consultant, Technology Management Concepts

Graduates from the last last 5 years: Their graduate programs

Law School, University Of Hawaii At Manoa
Master of Science in Marketing Analytics, PLU
Master of Arts in Teaching, Concordia University - St. Paul
Master of Science in International Political Economy, The London School of Economics & Political Science
Master of Arts in Education, Pacific Lutheran University
Master of Science in International/Global Studies, Northeastern University

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“[My favorite class was] Chinese 200 with Professor Zhu. It was my first Chinese class at PLU, and I was so impressed at how much I learned, and how welcoming our professor was. He was committed to creating a bond with our class.”

— Catherine W. ’26

“I had an interest in Chinese starting in high school and wanted to pick a school where I could study the language and culture in-depth. I've really enjoyed all the opportunities I've had within this program, including learning the language and interacting with elementary school students in Taiwan.”

— Kyra K. ’27

PLU’s Global Languages Wing in Kreidler Residence Hall gives Chinese Studies students the option to live with other global language students and focus on global awareness, language immersion, and cultural engagement.

From Chinese music recitals and lectures to small group discussions with visiting Chinese scholars and Chinese-style dinner parties, there are plenty of opportunities to continue your learning outside the classroom!

PLU hosts the Confucius Institute of the State of Washington (CIWA), a statewide partnership that offers Chinese language classes, cultural festivals, study trips, and scholarships through international collaboration.