Asian Languages and Literature majors study the languages of many diverse countries in Asia which include Chinese, Tibetan, Japanase and Korean; Hindi and Urdu; Filipino and Vietnamese; and Micronesian and Polynesian languages. Studies in this major include not only learning the Asian Languages, but these skills are also applied to business, literature, and science/technology. Students interested in this major are generally very good at communicating both orally and in writing, while also being successful in the acquisition of new languages. Many students take the opportunity to travel and study abroad while completing their degree. Studying abroad is highly recommended because it allows the students to become fully immersed in the language and culture of the foreign country for an extended amount of time.

With this degree, many students go on to careers teaching Asian Languages or working as translators or interpreters. Although these jobs are seen as most "common" to this major, there are many other opportunities available in several different career areas. Other less known areas of employment include: jobs at airports, international business, travel agencies, social services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Job applicants with a strong knowledge of a second language are highly sought after by employers because of their usefulness and applicability to many situations.