Chinese Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Chinese Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field dedicated to the comprehensive exploration of China’s rich and evolving heritage, from ancient dynasties to the modern era. This program examines the multifaceted dimensions of Chinese civilization, including its political systems, social structures, cultural expressions, and economic transformations, both within the mainland and across global diasporic communities.
- Historical Development: Traces the evolution of Chinese civilization from early imperial periods through modern state formation, analyzing pivotal events, dynastic cycles, and long-term societal changes.
- Social Structures and Institutions: Investigates family systems, class formations, gender roles, and community dynamics across different historical and regional contexts in China and its neighboring regions.
- Political Systems and Governance: Explores the mechanisms of state power, legal traditions, bureaucratic institutions, and contemporary political ideologies shaping governance in China and related territories.
- Cultural Expressions: Engages with literature, visual arts, performing arts, philosophy, and religious traditions that define Chinese identity and influence global cultural landscapes.
- Economic Transformations: Studies the development of agricultural, industrial, and digital economies, including trade networks, market reforms, and China’s role in the global economic order.
- Regional and Diasporic Studies: Addresses the histories and identities of borderland populations, island communities, and overseas Chinese populations, emphasizing transnational connections and cultural adaptation.
Chinese Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Chinese Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Chinese Studies degrees, including Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 11,430 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1062 | $84,290 | $51,130 - $164,650 | 11,430 | N/A |
Chinese Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $61,920 in Florida to $113,070 in California—a 83% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Vermont, and Kansas. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 11,430 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Chinese Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 22 institutions offering Chinese Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Chinese Studies is found at William & Mary (W&M) (10 graduates), University of Houston (UH) (8 graduates), University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (6 graduates), University of Minnesota (UMD), Duluth (4 graduates), and Fordham University (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 64 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| William & Mary (W&M) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Williamsburg, Virginia | Public | wm.edu |
| University of Houston (UH) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Houston, Texas | Public | uh.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Master's
|
6 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMD) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Duluth, Minnesota | Public | d.umn.edu |
| Fordham University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Bronx, New York | Private | fordham.edu |
| Furman University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Greenville, South Carolina | Private | furman.edu |
| University of South Carolina (USC) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Columbia, South Carolina | Public | sc.edu |
| Western Kentucky University (WKU) |
Other Award
|
3 | Bowling Green, Kentucky | Public | wku.edu |
| Gettysburg College |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | Private | gettysburg.edu |
| University of California (UCSD) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | La Jolla, California | Public | ucsd.edu |
| Indiana University (IU Indianapolis) |
Other Award
|
2 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | indianapolis.iu.edu |
| Hope College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Holland, Michigan | Private | hope.edu |
| The College of Wooster |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Wooster, Ohio | Private | wooster.edu |
| University of Richmond (UR) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | University of Richmond, Virginia | Private | richmond.edu |
| University of California (UCI) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Irvine, California | Public | uci.edu |
| Morehouse College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Atlanta, Georgia | Private | morehouse.edu |
| DePaul University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | depaul.edu |
| Oakland University (OU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Rochester Hills, Michigan | Public | oakland.edu |
| Saint Louis University (SLU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | slu.edu |
| St. John's University (SJU) |
Master's
|
1 | Queens, New York | Private | stjohns.edu |
| University at Albany (UAlbany) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Albany, New York | Public | albany.edu |
| University of North Dakota (UND) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Grand Forks, North Dakota | Public | und.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Chinese Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Chinese Studies degree?
Salaries for Chinese Studies graduates vary by role and location. Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $84,290 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $113,070 compared to $61,920 in Florida. Approximately 11,430 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Chinese Studies programs?
Currently 22 accredited institutions offer Chinese Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include William & Mary (W&M) (10 graduates), University of Houston (UH) (8 graduates), and University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (6 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Chinese Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 68 in 2010 to a peak of 73 in 2020, before declining slightly to 64 in 2023-24. This represents a 6% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Chinese Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 11,430 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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