What will I learn in a Japanese minor?

In this program, you'll study the Japanese language as well as take related courses on the history, geography and culture of east Asia.

Your language classes will focus on preparing you for everyday interactions in Japanese, including both conversational and written skills. More advanced courses focus specifically on topics such as the kanji alphabet or advanced conversational skills.

You'll also have the opportunity to choose electives in fields ranging from archaeology to political science that cover topics from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Topics include intercultural communication, medicine and technology, foreign relations and more, providing you with the opportunity to specialize in classes that interest your or complement your major field of study.

Learn more about world languages and literatures

The World Languages and Literatures Department in the College of Liberal Arts offers courses and programs in a range of languages from around the globe and provides a number of opportunities for students, including guest speakers, language clubs, and contests and scholarships.

Visit the world languages and literatures department website

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Careers with a minor in Japanese

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Knowledge of Japanese can give you advantages in the workforce, especially when paired with skills gained in your major field of study.

Japan's thriving financial sector, including the Tokyo Stock Exchange, may offer employment opportunities as large companies and multinational banks and finance firms work with their counterparts in Japan.

Additionally, Japan is well known for being home to a range of technology companies, including Sony, Casio and Canon as well as car manufacturers like Honda and Toyota and video game companies like Sega and Nintendo. Skills in business, information systems and computer science and engineering paired with experience in Japanese language and culture may help graduates find employment in large or small multinational companies engaged in international business or trade.

A minor in Japanese can also prepare you for careers that  require foreign language proficiency, including translation and interpretation, which can be beneficial in diverse fields, from communications to health services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects  24 percent job growth for interpreters and translators between 2020 and 2030, which is much faster than average. This growth is largely driven by globalization and an increasingly diverse U.S. population, according to the BLS.

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Almost everyone is eligible to receive some kind of aid. We offer need-based and merit-based forms of financial aid to help you afford college.

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Related programs

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