Indiana University Bloomington

What you'll study

This programme combines sequential language instruction with courses in literature, culture, and core linguistic theory. First and second‑year students generally build language proficiency through progressive language sequences that emphasise speaking, listening, reading and writing. Upper‑division work includes surveys of East Asian literatures, genre studies (poetry, novels, drama), cultural history, and area studies themes such as modernity and media, gender and society, or religion and thought.

On the linguistics side, students take foundational courses such as introductory linguistics, phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax, and sociolinguistics, with opportunities to apply these approaches to East Asian languages. Typical modules and experiences include:

• Elementary to advanced language courses in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, including conversation and composition
• Surveys of classical and modern East Asian literature and specialised seminars on authors, movements or media
• Introduction to linguistic analysis and methods, plus electives in phonetics, syntax, semantics and language acquisition
• Courses linking linguistics and applied fields—translation and interpretation, language pedagogy, corpus linguistics and computational approaches
• Capstone options such as a senior seminar, independent research project or honours thesis
• Experiential learning: language practicums, internships, and study abroad programmes in East Asia to build real‑world proficiency

Entry requirements

Admission to Indiana University Bloomington is based on a holistic review of secondary school performance and academic preparation. For the East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics major, successful applicants typically present a strong academic record with coursework in humanities and languages. Prior experience in an East Asian language is advantageous but not always required; many students begin study at the university level and progress through placement and sequential classes.

International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through accepted tests or other institutional options. Applicants should also submit a complete secondary school transcript and any materials required by the university admissions office. Students planning to pursue advanced language study should consider additional preparation such as high‑school language courses, independent study, or summer language programmes.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with both language proficiency and analytical skills that are valued across sectors. Common career paths include:

• Translation and interpretation for private firms, media or cultural organisations
• Primary and secondary language teaching or language programme administration
• International business, trade and consulting roles requiring regional expertise and language ability
• Government and diplomacy, including intelligence, foreign service and policy analysis
• Publishing, journalism and cultural heritage work focused on East Asia
• Further study in graduate programmes in linguistics, area studies, comparative literature, education or law

Why study at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington has a long tradition of strength in language and area studies. The Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures and the university’s linguistics faculty offer a broad range of specialists in Chinese, Japanese and Korean language, literature and linguistic research. Students benefit from dedicated language resources such as language labs, conversation partners, and tutoring, as well as structured pathways for study abroad and exchange partnerships that support immersive language learning.

The campus also hosts interdisciplinary centres and programmes that connect language study to global issues, public policy and cultural programming, giving students opportunities for internships, cross‑disciplinary projects and faculty‑mentored research. These institutional resources, together with a diverse community of learners and scholars, make Indiana University Bloomington a strong place to develop both practical language skills and rigorous analytical expertise in East Asian studies and linguistics.