Associate of Occupational Science in Korean Language and Culture
Earn a Korean Language & Culture Degree in the DC Metro Area
The Associate of Occupational Science in Korean Language and Culture at Columbia College provides comprehensive Korean language training and cultural immersion for students in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and Northern Virginia.
- Develop Korean language skills and augment cultural understanding necessary to successfully navigate both social and professional settings
- High-quality curriculum with the most updated knowledge, skills, and expertise formulated to enhance spoken ability and comprehension
- Professional instructors with outstanding knowledge and experience in Korean language and culture
- Variety of experiences with field trips and guest speaker session
In this 92‑credit Korean degree program, students build proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing while exploring Korea’s history, traditions, contemporary society, and international relations. Courses are designed to develop advanced Korean communication skills alongside deep cultural understanding so graduates can use Korean effectively in academic, professional, and cross‑cultural settings.
Graduates of the Korean Language and Culture program can pursue careers that require Korean language expertise, including roles in that work with Korean partners or communities :
- Academia
- Language Analysis
- Intelligence and Government Service
- Interpretation and Translation
- International Business
- Tourism
- Media
- Global Industries
Curriculum Course Lists
Code | Core Courses(Requred 8*) | Credits |
KOR101 | Beginner Korean 1 | 4 |
KOR102 | Beginner Korean 2 | 4 |
KOR201 | Intermediate Korean 1 | 4 |
KOR202 | Intermediate Korean 2 | 4 |
KOR203 | High Intermediate Korean 1 | 4 |
KOR204 | High Intermediate Korean 2 | 4 |
KOR301 | Advanced Korean 1 | 4 |
KOR302 | Advanced Korean 2 | 4 |
KOR401 | High Advanced Korean 1 | 4 |
KOR402 | High Advanced Korean 2 | 4 |
Code | Electives (Choose 8) | Credits |
KOR105 | Introduction to Korean History | 4 |
KOR132 | Introduction to Korean Food Culture | 4 |
KOR153 | Religion in Korea | 4 |
KOR252 | Traditional Korean Music and Instruments | 4 |
KOR264 | Traditional Korean Folktales | 4 |
KOR323 | TOPIK I Readiness | 4 |
KOR325 | Korean Media and Culture | 4 |
KOR356 | South Korea–North Korea Relations | 4 |
KOR399 | Korean Literature | 4 |
KOR432 | TOPIK II Readiness | 4 |
KOR446 | Introduction to Korean Translation | 4 |
Code | General Education Courses(Choose 7*) | Credits |
BIO102 | Introduction to Biology | 4 |
BPS102 | Business and Professional Speech | 4 |
BUA101 | Introduction to Business | 4 |
CRT101 | Critical Thinking | 4 |
ENG101 | English Composition | 4 |
HIST203 | U.S. History | 4 |
IT101 | Introduction to Information Technology | 4 |
MAT101 | Algebra | 4 |
MAT201 | Pre-Calculus | 4 |
PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 |
SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 4 |
SOC201 | Society and Human Behavior | 4 |
SPN101 | Introduction to Spanish I | 4 |
SPN102 | Introduction to Spanish II | 4 |
- *Students must select at least one course from the fields of Humanities, Natural Science/Applied Sciences, Mathematics and Behavioral Sciences.
- *The required core courses vary depending on the student’s level.
Federal Student Aid Notice
Federal Pell Grants are available to eligible undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. Eligibility and estimated award amounts are determined based on information provided on the FAFSA®. Final financial aid offers are determined by the school. To apply or learn more, visit StudentAid.gov.
Turn Advanced Korean Skills into High‑Potential Global Careers
As South Korea continues to expand its role in global business, technology, entertainment, and diplomacy—and interest in Korean popular culture (K‑pop, K‑drama, film, and gaming) grows worldwide—professionals with advanced Korean language skills are in demand across many sectors.
Salaries for careers that require Korean language expertise vary widely by role and employer, but many Korean interpreters, translators, linguists, and intelligence analysts earn incomes above typical entry‑level ranges, especially in specialized government, defense, and corporate positions.
As global organizations continue to invest in Korea‑related partnerships, content, and operations, job seekers with strong Korean language proficiency and cultural knowledge can expect solid career opportunities and room for advancement.
Educational Outcomes/Settings
Graduates can pursue careers in international business and trade, government and intelligence work, conference and community interpreting, translation and localization, media and entertainment, tourism, and education in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and beyond.
Job postings for Korean interpreters and linguists commonly list mid‑ to high‑five‑figure salaries, with experienced intelligence and language analysis professionals able to reach six‑figure compensation in some markets.
Median Salary
$60,000Interpretation
$125,000Operations Research
Mean Wage in DC-VA-MD-WV, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025.
Identification
- •Passport
- •Driver's License
- •State-issued ID
Education History
- •Diploma/school transcript (at least high school)
- •General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
- •DD-214 form
Application Fee
Domestic$100
International$200
International Applicants
F-1 Student Visa
- •Initial Enrollment
- •Transfer-In with I-20
- •Change of Status
- •1+1+1 Program
J-1 Exchange Visitor
- •College/University Student
- •Au Pair
Learn more about our Global Education Programs
Non-Native English Speakers
CaMLA (Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments) English Test to define the English level (Must be at Advanced Level).
