Minor in Asian Studies

Our students become deft critical thinkers who understand Asia and its importance in politics, business and the arts, and who leverage this knowledge in careers in business, commerce, journalism, politics, government, publishing and education.

The minor in Asian studies allows students to engage in an interdisciplinary study of Asia, adding an important global focus to their primary studies. Students gain unique insight into a region of the world that is highly important in politics, business and the arts. Students are encouraged to choose a thematic or regional concentration, and are allowed to customize the minor to meet their interests.

  • Gain a diverse interdisciplinary understanding of Asia 
  • Benefit from a specialized knowledge of one of the most prosperous regions in the world
  • Complement your undergraduate studies with a minor

We have the largest collection of East Asian materials in the Rocky Mountain region

More than 110 CU Boulder faculty members either specialize in or have research interests in Asia

We offer study abroad programs in Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mongolia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam

Be successful.

A minor in Asian studies allows you to enter the workforce with foundational knowledge of the region, whether you plan to work locally or abroad.

 
$73,900

Median salary of CU Boulder Asian studies students 6–10 years after graduation

 

Analyst, foreign language teacher, journalist, correspondent, interpreter and translator are common job titles of our graduates

 

Work in business, commerce, journalism, politics, government, publishing or education

Academic Plan & Requirements

To earn the Asian studies minor, students must complete a minimum of 21 credit hours.

Course topics include:

  • Traditional Asian civilizations 
  • Modern Asian civilizations
  • Social sciences
  • Gateway to Asian studies 
  • Electives

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

The Asian studies major and minor have an extensive list of alumni who have worked in a variety of fields across the globe.

Some alumni of the program include:

Jeremy Sjodahl-Brainar
Leslie Dong

('15)
Founder and president of Beijing-based Pursuit International

Kevin Peters

('12)
Lives in Xinjiang, China, and works as a freelance writer for online newspapers and blogs

Liz A. Dorn

('97)
Program coordinator for the East-West Center and former vice chair of communications for the Hawaii State Republican Party

Robin Sweeten

('82)
Worked in management positions at Panasonic for 25 years

Robert J. Kauffman

('77)
Associate dean, information systems, Singapore Management University

David Scrimgeour

('77)
Doctor of Japanese acupuncture

News & Stories

College of Arts & Sciences magazine cover