Why learn Chinese?

The Chinese language has relatively straightforward grammar. Unlike other languages, Chinese has no subject-verb agreements, no plurals or tenses and uses a simple numbering system. Adding Chinese to your language set enhances your résumé and provides the necessary skills to develop relationships on a local, national and international scale.

Studying Chinese online with Oregon State will enable you to:

• Communicate ideas effectively and appropriately through speaking, listening, reading and writing.
• Respond meaningfully to others by articulating clearly and with appropriate accent and tones.
• Apply the knowledge to communicate with other native-born Chinese speakers.

Courses offered

First- and second-year Chinese language courses are delivered online throughout the year. Refer to the OSU Ecampus schedule of classes for current schedule information.

The Ecampus schedule of classes includes available courses for the current term and up to three future terms. Class offerings are continually updated and may be added, removed or rescheduled without notice. Check back frequently for current information.

Learn from a well-respected university

Chinese courses are developed and taught by Oregon State faculty within the Department of World Languages and Cultures, and all courses are delivered online through multimedia instruction, coupled with realistic learning objectives.

You will have opportunities to interact with your classmates through online discussion boards and interactive content to gain competency communicating in Chinese. As an online student, you will receive the same transcript as OSU's on-campus students.

Transfer your credits

All students enrolled in Oregon State Ecampus classes pay the same tuition rate no matter where they live. It is important to note that Oregon State runs on a quarter-term system. If you are transferring credits, be sure to confirm the transfer policy of your home institution. Learn more about transferring credits.

Placement testing 

Already have experience with Chinese? You can bypass entry level courses by taking a placement test. More information is available on the College of Liberal Arts website. 

Earn an in-demand microcredential online in Chinese

Taking online Chinese classes offers the ability to enhance your language skills — and it's an opportunity to help yourself stand out in the job market. You can earn a microcredential in Introductory Chinese online with Oregon State, and when you finish, you'll receive a digital badge that you can showcase to employers as evidence of your proficiency in that language. Microcredential courses are for-credit and can be transferred to fulfill a degree program's language requirements as well.