Korean Studies, Certificate
Pair any major with globally relevant language and intercultural skills earned through the Korean studies certificate. Expand your career opportunities across business, diplomacy, technology, education, translation and international fields.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Certificate description
Korean Studies undergraduate certificate description
In the certificate program in Korean studies, you gain in-depth and practical knowledge of dynamic Korea in the modern and contemporary world, with a particular focus on Korea's economic, cultural and technological innovation.
The program consists of two major components: Korean language skills in the areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing; and instruction in the areas of Korean society, culture, history, literature and religion.
Certificate coursework enriches your critical thinking skills and your ability to investigate and address issues surrounding Korea and independent sociocultural, geopolitical and environmental challenges in the world.
Why earn a Korean studies undergraduate certificate at ASU?
Study abroad in South Korea and pursue exchange opportunities at Seoul National University, all connected to SILC's broader international language and culture ecosystem. Along the way, you can find student organizations, cultural programming and genuine chances for Korean community engagement.
Additional details
Get involved through active student groups, including the Korean Students Association, the Korean-American Student Association, K-Pop Dance Evolution and the SILC Attaches Club.
Courses
This undergraduate certificate includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The certificate requires 22 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the certificate, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
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The certificate in Korean studies requires 22 credit hours, of which 12 credit hours must be upper-division. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be completed through The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. When selecting courses, the college offering the course can be identified by viewing the course details in Class Search. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a scale of 4.00) or better may be applied toward the certificate requirements. |
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Course substitutions may be permitted for heritage speakers and other advanced speakers of the Korean language based on their proficiency level as determined by the Korean Placement Test.
10 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 10 |
|
HST 303 Studies in Asian History
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
KOR 321 Modern Korean Literature
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
KOR 347 Korean Film and Literature
(HUAD)
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
KOR 350 Women of Korea
(HUAD)
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
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Additional courses may be approved in consultation with an academic advisor in the School of International Letters and Cultures or the coordinator of the certificate. |
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Recognize and discuss the major events and issues of Korean history, culture, and society.
- Communicate orally and in writing in Korean at the novice high for beginning learners or intermediate low for intermediate learners.
Recognize and discuss the major events and issues of Korean history, culture, and society.Enrollment requirements
ASU students admitted to a degree program in any field of study are eligible to pursue the Korean studies certificate program. Requests to declare this certificate are reviewed by the academic advisor in the academic unit offering the certificate. Students may be contacted to discuss the certificate before it is added to their record.
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Here are the admission and application details
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this Korean studies undergraduate certificate prepares you for
Graduates who have combined a certificate in Korean studies with their major program of study are more marketable to employers than ever. Benefiting from their practical knowledge and enriched perspective of Korea in addition to training received in their majors, graduates have a competitive advantage in various professions, including academia, government, politics, tourism and hospitality, marketing, military and various other types of work that involve culture and language translation. Graduates often pursue employment in education and with Korean companies such as Samsung, LG and Hyundai.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
School of International Letters and Cultures
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DH 131
silcadvising@asu.edu
480-965-6281
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
