BA Chinese at University of California, Davis

Programme overview

The department offers a core language program in Chinese, and courses in literature and culture. The core language program has two tracks: one for students who have no Chinese-language background whatsoever and one for students with prior background. Practical language skills are taught using contemporary methods and materials, so that upon entering the upper division a student will have attained substantial fluency in the spoken language (listening and speaking) and the written language (reading and writing).

Faculty: College of Letters & Science | Department: East Asian Languages & Cultures | Duration: 40 units (quarter system) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Davis, CA, United States

What you will study

The major requires a minimum of 40 units. Requirements are organised into preparatory subject matter, depth subject matter, required courses components. Required courses include CHN 009 Introduction to Chinese Language & Culture; JPN 050 Introduction to the Literature of China & Japan; HIS 009A History of East Asian Civilization; LIN 001 Introduction to Linguistics; CHN 114 Introduction to Classical Chinese.

Career pathways

UC Davis graduates have learned that a major in Chinese is a meaningful, earned distinction that facilitates entrance to graduate programs and professional schools. In addition, job opportunities abound in virtually all career paths, especially for graduates who have completed study abroad.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to UC Davis and the College of Letters & Science; the catalogue entry gives no major-specific admission requirement beyond the major requirements below.

Domestic applicants: USD 14,202 a year (2026-27). Systemwide UC undergraduate Tuition for California residents, cohort first enrolled in 2026-27 (annual, quarter system); rate is the same for all undergraduate majors. Excludes Student Services Fee, campus-based fees, and Nonresident Supplemental Tuition. Source

First-year and transfer students enter in the fall term (quarter system); the UC application opens Aug. 1 and the filing period is Oct. 1 to Nov. 30 for admission the following year.

The UC application filing period is Oct. 1 to Nov. 30 for admission the following year, and a single application covers all UC campuses.

The UC application filing fee is $80 per campus for domestic applicants and $95 per campus for international applicants, payable by credit card or mail; fee waivers are available for up to four campuses.

Transfer applicants submit the UC application by Nov. 30; Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) applications are due Sept. 1-30; the priority deadline for the Transfer Academic Update is Jan. 31.

Apply through the official page: https://www.ucdavis.edu/admissions

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