Korean
Explore the Major
Why should you study Korean?
The Korean major develops students’ proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while deepening their understanding of Korean linguistics, literature, history, and culture. Students gain the skills to use Korean in professional contexts such as business, law, and government, and to engage meaningfully with Korea and its people. The program prepares graduates to apply their language abilities across diverse career fields such as government or business, and to maintain understanding and respect for Korea and Korean people.
Korean Department Contacts
- Academic and Professional Development Manager: Heather Lagrosa-Farr
- Section Head: Amy Harris
- Internship Coordinator: Alison Sondrup, Cascey Farnsworth
- Faculty Mentor: Assigned
- History Department: History Departmen
- Family History program: Family History
Competencies and Careers
Competencies Developed in the Program:
Students in the Korean 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: Korean students can use their degree to pursue careers in many fields!
Some of those include: Business Administration, Consulting, Marketing, Diplomacy, Law, Medicine, Education, and Translation and Localization.
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
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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 Korean major
Korean is an open enrollment program! Simply submit a major change request on your Progress Report to get started in the major.
Student Success Outcomes
Where do Korean majors go after graduation?
Job titles: Teacher, Materials Manager, Financial Management Officer, Business Owner
Companies where they work: BYU, Air Force, Internexus, Belmont Classical Academy, Aptive, Self-employed
Career fields:
FAQs
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Toggle ItemI have some Korean language experience. Which class should I take first?
Did you study Korean in high school? Speak the language at home? Serve a Korean-speaking mission? Returned Missionaries should start in KOREA 301. All other students can contact Dr. Julie Damron to assess their language skills and find the correct course level.
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Toggle ItemI have more questions about this major. Who can I talk to?
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Toggle ItemHow do I declare this major?
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Toggle ItemWhat if I want to double major in Korean and another program?
Many Korean students double major. You can petition to double major. Learn about the process here.
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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 Korean language-focused class at BYU or your first Korean language-focused class after your mission.
- Eligible classes: KOREA 301. See this website for details.
- Note: Native speakers cannot take the exam for cred