The Chinese studies major is intended for students primarily interested in Chinese language and literature. The Japanese studies major is intended for students primarily interested in Japanese language and literature. These majors both aim to help students attain a high degree of fluency, and much of the coursework is done in Chinese or Japanese. The East Asian Studies major is intended for students who wish to focus on a particular disciplinary issue in East Asian Studies-art history, history, politics, religion, or a transnational issue-in the context of the study of East Asian languages and culture.

The department encourages students in all three majors to choose from a number of study-abroad options, providing the opportunity to experience East Asian languages and cultures firsthand.