Japanese
Explore the Major
Why should you study Japanese?
Students in Japanese will study Japanese language and culture, and will be introduced to many of the major aspects of that heritage while providing the kind of training in language and social skills that will prepare them to undertake careers in a wide variety of fields related to Japan. The study of Japanese at the university level is aimed at providing students with advanced language skills and a sophisticated understanding of Japan and its people acquired through an examination of media and culture.
Check out this site on the value of a Japanese degree.
Japanese Department Contacts
- Academic and Professional Development Manager: Cielle Davis
- Section Head: Steve Moody
- Internship Coordinator: Steve Moody
- Asian and Near Eastern Languages Department: Asian and Near Eastern Languages Department
- Japanese program: Japanese | Home
Competencies and Careers
Competencies Developed in the Program
Students in the Japanese program can expect to develop strong competencies:
- Communication
- Information Literacy
- Cultural Navigation
Want to know more about these professional competencies? Career Readiness.
Common Career Fields
Japanese students can use their degree to pursue careers in many fields!
Some of those include: Business Administration, Consulting, Marketing, Law, Medicine, Education, Translation and Localization, and Tourism.
Jobs in these career fields:
Would you like to know about specific jobs in these fields? Check out this pamphlet.
Handshake: Check out job postings in a career field that interests you! Use Handshake, the ultimate job board for internships and entry level jobs. Use it to search for jobs, connect with alumni, and research companies.
Meet with your advisor!
Would you like to know more about the program to see if it’s a good fit for your goals? Would you like to know more about your career options? Do you have a career option in mind but you’d like resources to help you chart a path toward that goal? Come meet with your Academic and Professional Development Manager, Cielle Davis!
Contact the Liberal Arts Advisement Center to set up an appointment!
How to add the Japanese major?
Japanese is an open enrollment program! Simply submit a major change request on your Progress Report to get started in the major.
Where do Japanese majors go after graduation?
Job titles: Manager, Sales Team, Research Fellow, Localization Engineer, Legal Clerk, Language Instructor, Intelligence Analyst, Financial Advisor, Client Relations Representative, Case Manager, Associate Consultant
Companies where they work: Touch Points, Sun Run, SAIC, Renaissance Financial, MediaLocate, Belmont Classical Academy, Aptive
Career fields:
FAQs
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Toggle ItemI have some Japanese language experience. Which class should I take first?
Did you study Japanese in high school? Speak the language at home? Serve a Japanese-speaking mission? Check out this page to assess which Japanese class is right for you!
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Toggle ItemI have more questions about this major. Who can I talk to?
Cielle Davis, Academic and Professional Development Manager
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Toggle ItemHow do I declare this major?
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Toggle ItemWhat if I want to double major in Japanese and another program?
Many Japanese students double major. You can petition to double major.
Learn about the process here. -
Toggle ItemWhat is the language challenge exam? How do I take it?
The Challenge Exam allows BYU students who had a significant language immersion experience for which they did not receive academic credit to demonstrate their proficiency and to receive graded credit. The exam must be taken during your first Japanese language-focused class at BYU or your first Japanese language-focused class after your mission.
- Eligible classes: JAPAN 202 or JAPAN 301. See this website for details.
- Note: Native speakers cannot take the exam for credit.