Minor in Chinese
Build language skills and engage with a global culture
培养语言技能，融入全球文化
Chinese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and plays a major role in global business, technology, culture and international relations. At the University at Buffalo, the Chinese minor helps you build proficiency in Mandarin while exploring the cultural and global contexts that shape how the language is used.
A language with global impact
Studying Chinese gives you access to one of the world’s most influential cultures and economies and helps you communicate across global contexts.
This minor is a strong fit if you want to add language skills and a global perspective to your major.
With this minor, you will:
- Build proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing in Mandarin
- Develop cultural understanding across historical and contemporary contexts
- Strengthen communication and analytical skills
- Gain tools to engage with global issues and cross-cultural environments
Chinese pairs well with majors in:
- Business and economics
- Engineering and technology
- International studies
- Political science
- Communication and media
- Health and sciences
What makes this program different
The Chinese minor combines language learning with cultural and interdisciplinary study.
At UB, you will:
- Study Mandarin in a structured sequence from introductory through advanced levels
- Explore Chinese culture, history and communication
- Take courses that connect language to real-world contexts
- Learn alongside students with a wide range of academic interests
This approach helps you build both practical language skills and cultural insight.
Interested in how language works?
You can pair your Chinese studies with a deeper focus on language through the Linguistics concentration.
The Chinese minor includes a sequence of language courses along with opportunities to explore culture and communication.
You will:
- Complete introductory, intermediate and advanced Chinese language courses
- Take additional coursework related to language, culture or communication
- Choose courses based on your background and interests
A flexible starting point
Your starting level depends on your prior experience with Chinese.
- Students with no experience begin with introductory courses
- Heritage speakers or students with prior experience may place into higher levels
- Placement is based on coursework or demonstrated proficiency
Chinese proficiency and placement
If you have prior experience with Chinese, placement testing can help determine the right starting level and whether you may waive introductory coursework. Testing is offered during the first two weeks of the semester.
You will develop language proficiency along with cultural and analytical understanding.
You will:
- Communicate effectively in Mandarin across speaking, listening, reading and writing
- Understand key features of the Chinese language structure
- Interpret cultural and historical contexts
- Apply language skills in academic and real-world settings
- Build cross-cultural communication skills
Tools for learning Chinese
UB students have access to tools that support reading, writing and working with Chinese characters. NJStar Chinese Communicator allows you to read and write Chinese characters in common applications like web browsers, email and word processors.
Students may choose to continue their Chinese studies abroad after completing introductory coursework.
Study abroad allows you to:
- Practice language skills in real-world settings
- Experience Chinese culture firsthand
- Build global perspective and independence
Students may be able to apply study abroad coursework toward the minor, including credit for “Survey of Chinese Culture” (CHI 280).
A Chinese minor can support a wide range of career paths that require global awareness and communication skills.
Students may pursue work in:
- International business and global markets
- Technology and engineering fields
- Government, policy or diplomacy
- Research and data analysis
- Communication and media
Language skills combined with your major can help you work across cultures and global systems.
If you want to build language skills and engage with one of the world’s most influential cultures, the Chinese minor offers a flexible and valuable addition to your degree.
