What does it mean to major in Korean?
Korean is for students who want strong language skills and a deeper understanding of Korean culture. By studying Korean at MSU, you’ll build language proficiency, cultural competence and the option for an immersive study abroad experience.
What you'll learn
With a major in Korean from MSU, you’ll learn to:
- demonstrate intermediate-high proficiency in speaking; listening; reading; and writing, and complete tasks related to daily life, school and work;
- engage in interpretive; interpersonal; and presentational communication and discuss a wide range of topics;
- use appropriate language across contexts, including conventions, situations and levels of formality;
- improve pronunciation and intonation for effective communication and mutual understanding with native Korean speakers;
- demonstrate cultural and cross-cultural competence by understanding cultural practices, beliefs and norms across time periods.
Why study Korean at MSU?
Korea plays an important role in technological innovation, security, business, popular culture, international diplomacy and the global economy. The U.S. Department of Defense has also designated Korean as a critical language.
In many fields, there is a growing demand for professionals with advanced Korean language skills and a nuanced understanding of Korean society. A major in Korean at MSU can help you prepare for a range of career paths.
Hands-on learning opportunities
You can gain immersive experience through a Korean study abroad exchange program with Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea.
Student organizations and activities
You can connect with other students through organizations such as:
- Korean Student Association;
- Korean Reading Club;
- Korean Language Club.
Alumni pursuits
MSU graduates with a major in Korean work across a wide range of careers and industries. Their language and cultural expertise is especially valued by multinational corporations; nonprofit organizations; academic institutions; and media outlets. Some continue their studies in graduate programs in Korean studies, East Asian studies, linguistics or international affairs, while others pursue research or policy work related to Korea and Northeast Asia.
Alumni could work at:
- U.S. Department of State;
- U.S. Department of Defense;
- National Security Agency (NSA);
- foreign embassies and consulates;
- Fulbright Korea;
- Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE);
- Samsung;
- Korea Foundation;
- LG;
- Hyundai;
- KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency);
- Asia Society;
- The Korea Society;
- EPIK: English Teaching in Korea.
Alumni could work as:
- foreign service officer;
- cultural affairs specialist;
- policy analyst;
- language program coordinator;
- education and exchange program coordinator;
- research assistant;
- translator or interpreter;
- international marketing associate;
- trade and investment analyst;
- public affairs assistant.