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College of Arts & Sciences

Japanese

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Why pursue a degree in Japanese at North Central College?

Japanese speakers are in high demand in international business, marketing, education, government and travel industries worldwide. Learning Japanese extends beyond language fluency building critical thinking skills that are transferable to many career fields. Individuals that can speak, read, write and understand Japanese will find that the knowledge of the Japanese language is often a priority to a potential employer over other job skills for positions they may be applying for. This program is designed to provide robust language skills along with the experiences necessary to succeed in a global work environment. At North Central College you will acquire the skills necessary to live and work in an international community. You will also gain exposure to cultural perspectives that will provide an in depth understanding of the Japanese culture and how to operate within it. Whatever you choose to do with what you learn, studying Japanese is sure to provide a wide variety of rewarding employment opportunities as a result of this in demand skill.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Researching information related to foreign markets, humanitarian service, law, labor relations, marketing and news to assist international companies with making informed business decisions
  • Providing leadership in the travel industry for hotels and airlines with locations, clients or customers in Japan
  • Working or studying abroad using both English and Japanese languages to educate others

then a degree in JAPANESE might be for you.

Why study Japanese at North Central College? 

In the Classroom

Coursework topics: 

  • 28 or more credit hours taught in Japanese
  • East Asian Thought
  • First-Year Japanese
  • Japanese Culture and Society
  • Japanese Enrichment
  • Japanese History
  • Japanese Pop Culture
  • Japanese Through Multiple Media
  • Japan Today
  • Japanese for Written Communication
  • Religious Pluralism in Japan
  • Second-Year Japanese

Beyond the Classroom

As a Japanese major, you can: 

  • Study in Japan through one of our numerous exchange programs.
  • Apply for international study scholarships, including our Omron Scholarship for Study in Japan.
  • Participate in cultural events and activities including trips to cultural centers with the Japan Club.
  • Earn a TESOL (Teaching English to speakers of other languages) minor.
  • Strengthen your language skills as you get to know the Japanese international students on campus.
  • Participate in the Japan Club and help promote cultural awareness.
  • Take advantage of on-campus tutoring options and the Roberta I. Myers Language Resource Center for individualized tutoring or audio and video support
  • Qualify for induction into the Japanese Honor Society, or Phi Sigma Iota for students studying more than one language.

More Department information

Japanese, B.A.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see World Languages and Cultures.

The Japanese major consists of at least 33 credits at or above the 201-level, with at least 28 credits taught in Japanese including the following coursework. This major will automatically satisfy the elementary competency in a foreign language requirement of the B.A. degree as noted in the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

One of the following:

Semester Study Abroad

Complete a semester study abroad program in Japan, with a minimum of eight credit hours taught in Japanese or complete the following 16 credit hours:

One of the following:

Note:

Students seeking teaching licensure must also complete the Secondary Education major requirements.

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Japanese Minor

For additional programs and courses in this department, see World Languages and Cultures.

A minimum 24 credit hours, with at least 20 credit hours of courses taught in Japanese, including:

Four credit hours from the following:

Japanese Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.

Internships

  • Unique opportunities for North Central College students are available in Japan with our partner institutions.

Careers

Recent graduates in Japanese include:

  • English teacher, Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme
  • International relations coordinator
  • Librarian/information technology
  • Positions with Chicago-based Japanese companies

Invest in your future

Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College

Apply to North Central College

The first step to becoming a North Central student is reading the application instructions specific to you. Find out everything you need to know about applying by selecting the group you belong to below.