Historically, universities in China have adhered to a standard curriculum across the country. This curriculum model does not allow for elective credits in the same capacity as in the United States. Students focus exclusively on their major area of study and do not typically take “liberal arts” type courses in their first two years, unlike in US colleges and universities.  Generally, students are assigned to a department with a fixed major based on their skills assessment from the Gaokao and their area of interest. It’s not easy for students to change their major once it has been selected, as they must enroll in set courses based on their degree requirements. Undergraduates starting in the same year will all usually take the same course of study with a fixed curriculum, and must finish all courses in four years.

Course structure in China generally consists of a mid-term and a final exam. Courses do not have assignments throughout the semester, such as homework or team assignments which are typical in US universities. Students are not required to do as much self-learning therefore students generally have a course load of 10 courses per semester, as opposed to the American model of 5 courses. A Bachelor’s degree in China is typically 200 credits.

Educational reforms in China have given students some choice, but do not allow students to choose their majors or a specialization within a set major. For example, freshmen must take general courses such as Deng’s theory and Mao’s Literature, as well as English, and their major coursework. Within their area of concentration there is a growing number of elective type courses but not to the same extent as some countries, like the United States. Reforms by the Chinese Ministry of Education now allow for some flexibility in course options, however, the greatest flexibility has been in the area of study abroad opportunities. Universities will now accept credits for courses taken at foreign universities, opening up opportunities for a large number of students to study abroad.