Japanese

ようこそ – Welcome

Program Information

Learning Japanese opens the door to a rich and diverse culture, giving students access to Japan’s deep history, literature, and cutting-edge technology.  As one of the world’s largest economies, Japan plays a crucial role in international business, and proficiency in the language can enhance career opportunities in fields.  Additionally, mastering Japanese develops cognitive skills, fosters cross-cultural understanding, and provides a competitive edge in a globalized world.  Whether for personal growth or professional advancement, learning Japanese is a rewarding and valuable endeavor.

The Japanese program at WSU offers students a choice between a standard Japanese (34 credits) major or degree, and a Japanese for the Professions major (37 credits; second major only).

The Japanese General degree option prepares students to continue their study of the language at the graduate level. The Japanese for the Professions (additional major only) option focuses on both language and intercultural proficiency to provide students entering today’s global, diverse workplace with the communication skills necessary to work effectively within and across different language communities, increasing their employability.

Students can also minor in Japanese Language or Japanese Area & Culture Studies.  The Japanese minor complements a range of majors and professions, and creates greater opportunities to learn, work, and study abroad.

Courses Offered

First level language

• Japanese 101 (Fall and Spring), 102 (Spring only)
• Japanese 105 Elementary Conversation Practice

Second level language

• Japanese 203 (Fall only), 204 (Spring only)
• Japanese 205 Intermediate Conversation I Practice

Third level language

• Japanese 305 Intermediate Conversation II Practice
• Japanese 306 (reading and translation)
• Japanese 307 (speaking and listening)
• Japanese 308 (grammar and writing)
• Japanese 361 Advanced Japanese for the Professions

View an example of schedule for studying Japanese.

Study Abroad

Washington State University students have many excellent opportunities for study abroad in Japan. Japan is safe, clean, friendly, and affords students unlimited possibilities for learning, fun, and adventure.

Students studying in Japan will earn course credit while experiencing this fascinating country first hand. For more information on study abroad programs, visit the Office of International Programs Study Abroad Programs.

Special Critical Language Scholarships – Japanese language offered

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is an immersive summer opportunity for American college and university students to learn languages essential to America’s engagement with the world.  Each summer, American undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities across the country, spend eight to ten weeks learning one of fourteen languages at an intensive study abroad institute. The CLS Program is designed to promote rapid language gains and essential intercultural fluency in regions that are critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity. To learn more, visit Critical Language Scholarship.

Meet Our Japanese Program Faculty

• Professor Kayo Niimi, Associate Professor of Japanese, Career Track

Questions?

For more information about the Japanese Program at WSU, please contact and/or make an appointment with Laurie Heustis, advisor, at 509-335-8731 or heustis@wsu.edu