Overview

The Japanese B.A. at Portland State University provides a rigorous academic foundation in both the traditional and contemporary aspects of the language. Students engage with a curriculum designed to foster deep cross-cultural understanding while developing high-level proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing. This programme prepares graduates to navigate the complexities of a globalised society through the lens of Japanese culture and trade.

Why Japanese at Portland State University?

Portland State University is home to the Center for Japanese Studies, a dedicated resource that prepares students for leadership roles in government, business, and the arts. The university maintains prestigious partnerships with Waseda University in Tokyo and Hokkaido University in Sapporo, offering students unique opportunities for immersive study abroad experiences and host-family stays. Additionally, the programme features a senior Capstone project where students collaborate with local elementary schools to develop Japanese teaching materials, gaining practical experience in educational settings.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 34599 per year
National fee: USD 34599 per year
Local fee: USD 12999 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum utilises a performed culture approach, ensuring students learn to communicate in ways that are culturally appropriate for native speakers. Modules may include:

Japanese Literature
Manga
Japanese Religion
Performance and Literature
Pop Culture
Contemporary Novels and Poetry
Linguistics

Careers with Japanese

Graduates of the programme are well-equipped for diverse international career paths. Many alumni secure positions within the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme, teaching English in Japan, or work within private language schools. The degree also provides a strong foundation for professional roles in translation and interpretation. Furthermore, students are prepared for advanced graduate studies or careers in U.S.-based Japanese immersion programmes, leveraging their expertise in one of the world's most significant languages for trade and diplomacy.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Third-Year Japanese: Speaking and Listening

Third-Year Japanese: Reading and Writing

Japanese Religion through Literature and Performance

Japanese Literature in Translation: Manga, Japanese Graphic Novels

Japanese Literature Through Film

Advanced Japanese: Japanese for the Real World

Modern Japanese Poetry

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-05 00:00:00
Starting 2026-09-30 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-05 00:00:00
Starting 2027-03-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-05 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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IELTS

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Credits

180 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Portland, United States

Disciplines

Asian studies View 504 other Bachelors in Asian studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must have a cumulative (overall) grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 when converted to the U.S. 4.0 grading scale.
Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement. You may be admitted to Portland State University and an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) pathway if you do not meet PSU's English Language Proficiency Requirement. Learn more about PSU’s English language programs.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Out-of-State

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12999 USD / year

≈ 12999 USD / year

Living costs

Portland

United States

1271 - 2262 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Japanese.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Portland

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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