BA in Japanese in Boston United States | University of Massachusetts Amherst

Earning a Japanese major will equip you with fluent communication skills in culturally appropriate contexts. UMass Amherst provides intensive language instruction under the guidance of skilled, passionate educators.

Our professors offer diverse coursework spanning literature, linguistics, history, cinema, religious studies, gender studies, performing arts, international relations, and LGBTQ+ studies. These classes develop your critical thinking, analytical writing, and ability to articulate insights about Asian cultures - skills you can apply to professional pursuits after graduation.
The East Asian Languages & Cultures department features robust undergraduate programs in both Chinese and Japanese. Majors complete intensive language training for fluency alongside cultural studies courses. Students select from offerings including literary traditions, linguistic analysis, language pedagogy, classical texts, philosophical thought, media studies, and contemporary popular culture. With over 100 million speakers, Japanese carries a profound cultural legacy that has influenced literature, science, technology, and linguistics. As the language of the world's third-largest economy and a key U.S. trade partner, Japanese also boasts a literary heritage notable for its influential female authors. UMass Amherst stands as New England's sole public university offering bachelor's degrees in both Japanese literature and linguistics. Our program delivers linguistic proficiency alongside deep cultural literacy, examining Japan's literary traditions and civilization through multiple lenses. Faculty employ interdisciplinary, historically-informed approaches in teaching literature, religion, language systems, pedagogy, political science, media, gender studies, and film. Graduates pursue careers in translation, global commerce, public service, education, and research.