Overview

The Japanese B.A. programme at North Central College is designed to equip students with robust linguistic skills and the cultural intelligence necessary for success in a globalised work environment. By combining intensive language study with historical and societal contexts, the curriculum prepares graduates to operate effectively within international communities. Students develop transferable skills that are highly valued by employers across diverse sectors.

Why Japanese at North Central College?

Students benefit from a rich learning environment that extends far beyond traditional classroom settings. The university offers numerous exchange programmes and international study scholarships, such as the Omron Scholarship, specifically for those studying in Japan. On campus, the Roberta I. Myers Language Resource Center provides specialised audio, video, and tutoring support to enhance linguistic proficiency.

The institution fosters a vibrant cultural community through the Japan Club, which organises trips to cultural centres and promotes awareness across the campus. Students also have the opportunity to engage with Japanese international students, further strengthening their conversational abilities. High-achieving students may qualify for induction into the Japanese Honor Society or Phi Sigma Iota.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 46810 per year
National fee: USD 46810 per year
Local fee: USD 46810 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum requires at least 33 credits, with a significant portion of the coursework conducted entirely in Japanese to ensure immersion. Modules may include:

Japanese Culture and Society
East Asian Thought
Japanese History
Japanese Pop Culture
Japanese Through Multiple Media
Japanese for Written Communication
Religious Pluralism in Japan
Japanese
Capstone Portfolio

Students are encouraged to complete a semester of study abroad in Japan to gain first-hand experience and earn credits through immersive language courses at partner institutions.

Careers with Japanese

Graduates with a degree in Japanese are in high demand across various industries, including international business, marketing, government, and travel. The ability to communicate fluently in Japanese often serves as a primary asset for potential employers, providing a competitive edge in the job market. Graduates are well-prepared for roles that require researching foreign markets or providing leadership in international hospitality.

Recent alumni have successfully secured diverse positions, reflecting the versatility of the programme. Career outcomes include:

English Teacher with the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme
International Relations Coordinator
Librarian and Information Technology Specialist
Corporate roles within Chicago-based Japanese organisations

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Japanese Through Multiple Media
Japanese for Written Communication
Japanese Culture and Society
East Asian Thought
Japanese History: From Samurai to Sony
Religious Pluralism in Japan

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-15 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-08-15 00:00:00 , Local
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-01-02 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2027-01-02 00:00:00 , Local
Starting 2027-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Home students: You may apply for admission throughout the year, although it is encouraged you do so in the fall of your senior year.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

128 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Naperville, United States

Disciplines

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

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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

Because we look at each application on an individual basis, we encourage you to contact your admission counselor to discuss your individual circumstances. While not required, you may wish to submit additional information such as:

Test Scores

Test-optional FAQ
SAT, North Central College code: 1555
ACT, North Central College code: 1096
Classic Learning Test, accepted in lieu of the SAT and ACT for students applying to Shimer Great Books School

Optional information we will consider:Supplemental Documents

Writing samples
Letters of recommendation
Documentation of extenuating circumstances

Apply as an international student if...

you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or U.S. national
you are in F-1 status or will need an F-1 student visa to study in the U.S.
the last institution you attended is located outside of the U.S.

Writing samples
Letters of recommendation
Documentation of extenuating circumstances

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

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year
Out-of-State

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

46810 USD / year

≈ 46810 USD / year

Additional Details

Academic year fee: $47,340
Fall/Spring / Semester: $23,670

Living costs

Naperville

United States

1120 - 1880 USD / month

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

Funding

At North Central, we offer a variety of competitive merit-based scholarships that are awarded based off G.P.A. Scholarships range from $28,000- $34,000 and are renewable for 4 years. Your achievements and special talents in other academic and activity areas, like education and the fine arts, could result in additional scholarship opportunities as well.

You're eligible for one of the international first-year or transfer scholarships if you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or U.S. national. Learn more at the link: https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/admission/international-scholarships

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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

Additional Details

Living costs

Naperville

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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