Languages: Japanese

Japan

Overview

The Japanese Program at the School of Modern Languages offers a minor, three Bachelor's degrees, and two Master's degrees in Japanese. Courses range from elementary to advanced levels, including language-based content courses in literature, translation, technology, and linguistics. We also offer accelerated courses, a summer study abroad program, and online courses to support student learning.

The combination of language proficiency, intercultural competence, and international experiences provides students with a distinct advantage in employment opportunities and a stronger grounding in science and technology.

Learning Outcomes

During the first five semesters or two and a half years of Japanese, students develop four basic skills in Japanese: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students can accelerate this timeline by also taking online courses during the summer or taking accelerated classroom-based courses in the spring. 

Study Abroad Opportunities

After finishing JAPN 2002, students are eligible to participate in an intensive eight-week study abroad program in Japan – the Language for Business and Technology (LBAT).  If there are more applicants than we can accommodate in LBAT, those who completed JAPN 3001 will have preference.  After four years in this program, students should reach the Intermediate-Low/Mid proficiency level on the ACTFL scale. 

In addition to the LBAT summer program, Georgia Tech has exchange programs with several universities in Japan. Students can also apply for international internships at Japanese corporations. ALIS majors are required to study or intern abroad. IAML and GEML majors are encouraged to do so. These international experiences can also be used to count towards International Plan requirements.

Quick Links

Japanese Main Contact

  • Kyoko Masuda
    Director of Japanese Program,
    Associate Professor of Japanese & Linguistics

Japanese Academics

Japanese Resources

Japanese Study Abroad

GT Japanese Social Media

Programs of Study

Graduate Degrees in Japanese

Undergraduate Degrees in Japanese

Minors and Certificates in Japanese

To earn a Japanese certificate or minor, students need 12 or 15 credits respectively beyond JAPN 2001. To accelerate progress toward a minor or certificate, students can participate in the LBAT Japan program. Japanese courses are also available as part of the minors in East Asian studies, linguistics, and international business, language, and culture.

Study Abroad

Japan Language for Business and Technology (LBAT)

The Japan Language for Business and Technology (LBAT) is an intensive summer program in Japan. The prerequisite for participating in LBAT is JAPN 2002 (though JAPN 3001 is preferred). During LBAT, students can earn 9-12 credits of 3000-level Japanese in 10 weeks. In addition to intensive classroom instruction led by Georgia Tech faculty, the program includes fieldwork projects and professional site visits to private companies and government/research institutions to experience business practices firsthand and understand current technological and socioeconomic issues facing the country.

Exchange Programs in Japan

  • Tohoku Exchange Program

  • Ritsumeikan APU Beppu Exchange Program

  • Tokyo Tech Exchange Program

  • Waseda Tokyo Exchange Program

  • Kobe University Exchange Program

Learn more on the Office of International Education website.