BA Chinese Language and Literature at George Washington University

Programme overview

Chinese is the most-spoken language in the world. With China's increasing presence on the world stage, being proficient in Chinese has many advantages. Through GW’s bachelor of arts in Chinese language and literature program, students are equipped with an oral and written proficiency in Chinese and an understanding of Chinese history, literature, and culture. Students have opportunities to study with world-renowned scholars, including Professor of Chinese Jonathan Chaves, a prominent author and lecturer on Chinese and Japanese culture and poetry.

Faculty: Columbian College of Arts and Sciences | Department: East Asian Languages and Literatures | Location: Washington, DC, United States

What you will study

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Undergraduate Programs. These prerequisite courses are not required for students who demonstrate proficiency beyond the level of a given course. For example, a student who demonstrates proficiency beyond first-year level can be exempted from CHIN 1001 and CHIN 1002; a student whose proficiency exceeds that of CHIN 2004 is not required to take any of these courses.

Career pathways

Our graduates enter fields such as international diplomacy, international business, and education, working in agencies such as the U.S.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University/college-level admission (applies to all majors): For information about the admission process, including deadlines, visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website. Applications can be submitted via the Common Application. For questions visit undergraduate.admissions.gwu.edu/contact-us.

USD 72,000 a year (2026-27). Full-time main campus undergraduate tuition for students entering in 2026-27 in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, Elliott School, Milken Institute School of Public Health or School of Engineering and Applied Science (12-18 cr Source

First-year students enter in the fall semester; transfer applications are accepted for fall and spring admission.

Early Decision I deadline is November 1 and Early Decision II is January 5 (both binding); the Regular Decision deadline is January 5. Applications use the Common Application. Transfer applications are due April 15 for fall and October 1 for spring. Testing is optional (SAT or ACT), except for BA/MD, homeschooled and narrative-evaluation applicants. BFA applicants (except Interior Architecture) submit a portfolio of 10 to 15 works through SlideRoom. The application fee is $80.

International applicants whose first language is not English submit TOEFL (minimum 90), IELTS (minimum 6.5) or PTE Academic scores.

Apply through the official page: https://undergraduate.admissions.gwu.edu/

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