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Chinese

China is the world’s second largest economy, and one of every five people in the world speaks the Chinese language.

As China has become a big player in the world economy, Chinese language skills are in demand like never before.

Students who become proficient in Chinese language can expect to hold an advantage in many job markets. According to Bloomberg, Mandarin Chinese is the most useful business language after English. While this may come as no surprise, many do not realize that China’s economic rise has also brought about new challenges and expectations for other forms of modernization. China will soon require diverse expertise to help create and implement new sociopolitical, environmental, and infrastructure systems.

See how studies in Chinese can complement many courses of study.

Contact Us

Prospective Undergraduate Students (not yet enrolled at UWM)

Prospective students, contact our admissions counselor at let-sci@uwm.edu or 414-229-7711.

Current Undergraduate Students

General questions such as how to declare, how to change a major, general education requirements, etc. should be directed to the college advising office at ls-advising@uwm.edu or 414-229-4654.

Specific questions about Chinese, such as research opportunities, internship opportunities, major requirements, etc., should be directed to Assistant Professor, Jue Chen.

Undergraduate Programs Student Resources Campus Resources

Chinese Language Complements Many Courses of Study

Architecture
China, where high-rises are sometimes built in a matter of weeks, features a unique blend of old and new architectural styles.
Business
China is known as “the world’s factory,” but also boasts growing domestic market fueled by middle class growth.
Communication and Journalism
Ancient, yet modern, homogenous, yet diverse, predominantly urban, yet traditionally rural, nominally socialist, yet economically capitalist, Chinese society is an enigma with interesting stories at every turn.
Education
Many young educators gain unique cultural classroom experience by teaching English in China. Some positions pay quite well. Meanwhile, the number of Chinese language programs Stateside has exploded in recent years.
Engineering
Often times, China attempts to solve its water shortage, population, and transportation issues with massive engineering projects.
Environmental Studies
China’s rapid rise has exacerbated preexisting air pollution, water pollution, and water shortage crises. However, despite being the world’s largest polluter, China is also the world’s leading in green technology.
Health Care
China’s health care system is in need of modernization in terms of equipment, expertise, and policy. China’s One Child Policy has resulted in a rapidly ageing society that will soon tax China’s health care and social welfare systems.
History
China has a rich and unbroken history with written records dating back 4,000 years.
Law
For many years, the fight against corruption in China’s legal system has been a work in progress. Recent reforms, however, are viewed as a significant step towards the “rule of law.”
Philosophy and Religion
From the philosophical beginnings of Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism to the more recent emergence of Christian and Muslim communities, China’s religious traditions are rich. Modern politics have influenced each tradition in very interesting ways.
Political Science
From the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the rise of Nationalism to the Chairman Mao era and eventual economic reform, few nations have undergone as much political change in the last century as China. Are there further reforms in China’s near future?
Translation and Interpretation
Organizations from all of the above fields need Chinese language experts to help bridge the language and culture gap.

Get to know the Chinese program

The Chinese language program works with the UWM College of Community Engagement & Professions , the UWM Sheldon B. Lubar College of Business, and the Center for International Education to provide necessary knowledge, language skills, and cultural understanding for students to succeed in teaching, business, translation, and interpretation.

Chinese Programs

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Committee Interdisciplinary Major, BA: Chinese Language and Culture
MajorOn Campus
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Chinese, Minor
MinorOn Campus

Ready to Declare?

Discover more instructions on how to declare and what to expect.

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Recommended Resources for Chinese Language Students

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Advising
Understand who your advisors are and the ways they help you successfully navigate college life.
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Chinese Courses
See all the options for electives and upcoming courses.
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Scholarships & Awards
Understand how to create a scholarship application and sources of funding.
View Scholarships & Awards
Cinque Terre
Internships
Experience matters just as much as a degree. Learn about international internships and domestic internships with international companies for students in World Languages & Cultures.
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Study Abroad
Opportunities abound around the world for students to live and study outside of the U.S. for a few weeks, a semester or a full year.
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Honors
Earn honors in the major or join the UWM Honors College.
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Related Programs
There are additional programs at UWM outside of the Department of World Languages & Cultures that cover global topics.
View Related Programs
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Career Resources & Job Outcomes
See what our alumni have done with their World Languages & Cultures degrees.
View Resources & Outcomes
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Student Organizations
Find friends with similar interests through career-oriented organizations, social clubs, and community activities.
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Academic Help
Tutoring, accommodations, mentor programs, and more.
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Retro Credits
Students who place beyond the first-semester of a language can earn up to 16 retroactive credits, depending on the language.
View Retro Credits

Chinese News

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Chinese Events

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Campus Resources

Enhance your college experience and unlock even more opportunities on campus. Start career planning, participate in wellness activities, conduct cutting-edge research and more. 

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