China boasts the world’s oldest continuous living civilization and a culture that has profoundly influenced its neighboring countries. Today, China is a major player on the global stage with a booming economy and significant political influence. Mandarin (Putonghua), the official language of China, is the second most spoken language in the world which is right after English.”
Studying Chinese language opens way to the rich cultural heritage of philosophy, religion, art, literature and history of China. Studying Chinese also paves the way to different fields of study and career options. Whether you are pursuing a career in business, sciences, technology, humanities, etc., you will find your training in Chinese language is not only an item on your C.V., but also an essential tool to find data, communicate with your peers, or develop a key case study in your project.
The Chinese Program at the University at Buffalo offers comprehensive courses in Chinese language, linguistics, and culture. We provide two degree options to suit your academic and professional goals:
Chinese Language Courses:
Chinese Content Courses (taught in English):
Embark on a journey that enriches your academic experience and prepares you for a future in our interconnected world. For degree requirements and more information about the program and minor, visit the Department of Linguistics.
For any questions about Chinese courses, placement exams or study abroad programs, please contact the Chinese Program Director Chuan Lin at clin97@buffalo.edu.
Interested students can also explore study abroad opportunities and gain valuable international experience by visiting Education Abroad.
If you have learned Chinese before or have family members who speak Chinese at home, please take our placement exam before taking Chinese language courses. Visit the Language Placement Exam page for details.