In the master's program, students gain a general understanding of Chinese culture while, at the same time, pursue a research theme of their own choosing. At the doctoral level, students use the foundational knowledge gained at the master's level to perform more specialized research and present their findings at academic conferences. Students also have ample opportunities to study abroad in China and Taiwan for extended periods of time. Many use these valuable experiences abroad to improve their Chinese language proficiency and deepen their understanding of Chinese culture and its traditions and customs.