By Jade Thorton, OMAHA, Neb. — The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) will officially launch a new Japanese Minor this fall, answering years of student interest and expanding the university’s global language offerings.
A Response to Student Passion
For years, students at UNO have enrolled in Japanese classes out of a deep interest in the language and culture. However, until now, there was no formal academic path for them to follow.
“All these students who were taking Japanese, in the end, didn’t have anything to show on their transcript,” said Alex Tippets, a current UNO student studying Japanese. “I think this opens the door for a lot of people to kind of find a reason to take Japanese besides just thinking it’s enjoyable.”
Designed with Growth in Mind
Faculty in UNO’s Department of Foreign Languages and Literature say the program is both the result of student enthusiasm and a broader push to offer more global learning opportunities.
“We wanted to diversify what we offer, address students’ needs, and help them achieve their personal goals,” said Dr. C. Cecilia Tocaimaza-Hatch, an assistant professor and department head. “We have lots of students who just love the language and the culture, and we didn’t have anything to offer them—until now.”
The program is building upon the language courses already offered at UNO by adding more advanced language courses as well as new Japanese culture courses, allowing students to engage with more than just the language.
A Global Opportunity
The Japanese Minor is also designed to support students interested in study abroad programs, international careers, or global communication.
As the world becomes increasingly connected, language skills—especially in high-demand areas like Japanese—can give students a competitive edge.
For more details, visit the University of Nebraska Omaha’s website: UNO Website
