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Chinese Major

Bachelor of Arts in Chinese

Immerse yourself in the language, culture and society of China with the Bachelor of Arts in Chinese in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University. Become proficient in spoken and written Mandarin, and examine the role language plays in the life and culture of China. Gain a deeper understanding of Chinese history and society by exploring works of China's literature and film.

The Chinese Major requires no prior knowledge of Mandarin. However, students with background in Mandarin may place into higher-level courses. The curriculum is tailored so that you become proficient in the spoken and written language over time. Classes offer an introduction to the language’s sound systems as well as its writing systems, grammar and vocabulary. You’ll develop the linguistic insights, foundations, knowledge and strategies necessary to continue learning Chinese beyond the classroom.

Students have opportunities to participate in intensive language study at a university in China to further build their language skills and develop cultural competencies.

This undergraduate degree program helps prepare students for careers in an array of professional fields that require expertise in Chinese language, culture and customs. Graduates gain qualifications for careers in business and government positions. Graduates also gain qualifications to pursue advanced degrees in the humanities, information sciences, social sciences and law.

Classes & Curriculum

The Chinese Major is a 123-credit program that can be completed over four years of full-time study. Courses in this degree program may include the following.

  • Chinese Advanced II
  • Chinese Culture and Civilization
  • Chinese Composition
  • Modern China in Fiction and Film
  • Women in Chinese Literature

Students are required to complete a Chinese Capstone Seminar course during their final year. Learn more about required courses for the Chinese BA.

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Certificate Programs

The College of Liberal Arts has 22 undergraduate certificate programs for you to expand your knowledge and diversify your Temple education. Certificates can complement bachelor's programs, allowing you to specialize in an area and highlight your exposure to disciplines outside of your major.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $19,608.00 per year
Out-of-state: $35,232.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

Advising support is provided by the College of Liberal Arts Center for Academic Advising. You can find more information on the CLA Academic Advising webpage (https://liberalarts.temple.edu/students/academic-advising).

Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development

Dedicated advisors at the Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development in the College of Liberal Arts are available to guide students through their academic careers and with their career paths beyond Temple. They can help you choose a major, navigate your curriculum, identify internship opportunities, explore career opportunities and determine your post-graduation plans. Learn more about the center.

Program Contact

If you have questions regarding the Chinese Major, please contact the following staff member.

TJ Cusack is the senior manager of administration.
Email: 

The following staff member leads the Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures Department.

Patricia Melzer is the chair of the Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures Department.
Email:

 

University Honors Program

The College of Liberal Arts participates in Temple’s Honors Program. Learn more about the program and how to be admitted. 

Students who meet certain academic and extracurricular criteria may become members of the following honor societies. 

  • Alpha Lambda Delta is a national society that honors academic excellence during a student's first year at college.
  • Golden Key is an international society that enables members to realize their potential through the advancement of academics, leadership and service. 
  • Phi Beta Kappa is open to juniors and seniors in the College of Liberal Arts. To qualify for Phi Beta Kappa, a student must maintain a high grade point average in a broad, rigorous program of study in the liberal arts, including mathematics and foreign languages.

Learn more about Temple’s honor societies.

Student Clubs & Organizations

Supplement your Chinese Major coursework and enhance your undergraduate experience at Temple with more than 300 student clubs and organizations. You’ll have opportunities to meet and network with other students, get involved with the community, grow your interests, and develop résumé-boosting skills and experiences. 

Learn more about Temple’s student clubs and organizations.

Study Away

College of Liberal Arts undergraduate students are encouraged to study away for an academic year, semester or summer. Enrich your experience at Temple by immersing yourself in study abroad programs in several cities in China, including Beijing, Nanjing, Shanghai and Taipei.

Learn more about your options for studying away.

Accreditation

Temple University’s departments and programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Additional Program Information