East Asian Languages, Literatures & Cultures
East Asian Languages, Literatures & Cultures

Introduction to the Major

What will it mean to navigate a world shaped by East Asia’s cultural, economic and geopolitical influence? The Department of East Asian Languages, Literatures and Cultures prepares students to answer that question. Through advanced language training and deep engagement with the histories, literatures and cultures of China, Japan and Korea, DEALLC majors develop the cross-cultural fluency and critical thinking needed to excel across a spectrum of careers and fields. In a century defined by East Asia’s global prominence, a DEALLC degree offers more than knowledge — it offers a way of seeing the world. 

Which Program is Right for Me?

Chinese Language and Literature (B.A.) and Japanese Language and Literature (B.A.): Each major emphasizes advanced language proficiency and in-depth literary and cultural study of the respective country. 

East Asian Studies (B.A.): Integrates language learning with interdisciplinary coursework across East Asian cultures. 

Korean Language and Literature (Minor): Focuses on language proficiency and cultural study of Korea. 

 

Amplify Your Major

  • Live and breathe your language by applying to Shea House — UVA’s residential language immersion community.
  • Gain teaching experience and course credit through the Tutoring Practicum.
  • Attend lectures, film screenings and cultural events at the East Asia Center.
  • Explore Japan, China or Korea firsthand through department-supported study abroad. 

What Can I Do With My Major

Recent Graduates’ Jobs and Employers 

  • Audit Evaluator, State Council of Higher Education of Virginia
  • Case Manager, Deloitte
  • Data Analyst, Bluelabs
  • Research Analyst, National Research Group
  • Staff Analyst, Ernst & Young LLP
  • Staff Assistant, US House of Representatives
  • Paralegal, US Department of Justice 

Recent Graduate Programs

  • Vanderbilt University, Education
  • Johns Hopkins University, International Relations & Affairs
  • Columbia University, Journalism
  • Yale University, Law
  • Georgetown University, Philosophy
  • University of Chicago, Political Science
  • University of Michigan, Public Policy
  • Syracuse University, Public Administration 

“My major has led to some of my most cherished UVA experiences: making friends in collaborative classes, building meaningful relationships with professors and summer study in Japan.” 

Mia Kritenbrink, Class of 2026 

See what our graduates are doing on LinkedIn

Alumni Network See what our graduates are up to on LinkedIn

Life of the Major

First Year
  • Advance
    • Choose Engagement Courses that expose you to professors from a range of disciplines. 
    • Begin the East Asian language sequence of your choice. 
    • Take EAST 1010, the gateway course for department majors. 
    • Start exploring your options with your pre-major advisor. 
  • Explore
    • Attend the program fairs hosted by the Chinese, Japanese and Korean language programs. 
    • Start attending events of interest at the East Asia Center. 
    • If studying Chinese, explore the UVA-in-Shanghai Intensive Chinese Language Program. 
  • Build
    • Sign up for the DEALLC mailing list and the list for your chosen language program. 
    • Visit a DEALLC professor during office hours to learn about their research and interests. 
    • Connect with DEALLC alumni through the UVA Career Center’s networking resources. 
  • Prepare
Second Year
  • Advance
    • Complete your 2000-level language coursework and progress to 3000-level courses when ready. 
    • Meet with your pre-major advisor to map out your remaining requirements. 
    • Once you have completed your pre-requisites, complete your major declaration form. 
  • Explore
    • Visit the International Studies Office and speak with your Language Program Director about study abroad programs in East Asia that count toward your major. 
    • Apply for a summer research or internship program. 
    • Consider applying to live at Shea House to deepen your language immersion. 
  • Build
    • Get involved in a cultural interest student club on Grounds that connects to your language and culture of study. 
    • Volunteer with international students through the VISAS program. 
    • Seek out opportunities to engage with East Asian communities in Charlottesville and the surrounding area. 
  • Prepare
    • Meet with a Career Counselor to discuss career options and goals, and begin building a resume. 
    • Explore internship opportunities and attend internship fairs. 
    • Connect with alumni in fields that interest you through the Virginia Alumni Mentoring program. 
Third Year
  • Advance
    • Focus on upper-division coursework and electives in your chosen language and culture. 
    • Meet with your major advisor to review your degree progress. 
    • Enroll in CHTR, JPTR or KRTR 3400 to deepen your language skills while gaining teaching experience. 
  • Explore
    • Learn about the JET Program and similar opportunities to live and work in East Asia after graduation. 
    • Apply for a competitive summer research or internship program. 
    • Discuss the Distinguished Majors Program (DMP) with your advisor. 
  • Build
    • Volunteer for the program fair for the Chinese, Japanese or Korean language program. 
    • Run for an officer position in a cultural interest student club on Grounds. 
    • Build close relationships with your professors — they will write recommendation letters for post-graduate applications. 
  • Prepare
    • Explore post-graduate options with advisors and professors. 
    • Research official language-level certification tests as professional qualifications. 
    • Research admissions exams required for your post-graduate path. 
    • Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight your language proficiency and cross-cultural expertise. 
Fourth Year
  • Advance
    • Complete your major capstone course or DMP thesis project. 
    • Check in with your advisor to ensure you are on track to complete all College and DEALLC requirements. 
    • Complete any “bucket list” courses. 
    • Apply to graduate in the spring. 
  • Explore
    • Present your research at the university Undergraduate Research Symposium. 
    • Pursue an independent study with a faculty member to explore a topic that your coursework has sparked. 
    • Consider applying for the Weedon East Asia Travel Fund to support language study or research in East Asia. 
  • Build
    • Join the Association for Asian Studies to connect with scholars and professionals in the field. 
    • Contact recent graduates from your program to learn about their post-graduate experiences. 
  • Prepare