Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies

Our students become immersed in the story of Asian history, international affairs, languages and geography; they enjoy careers in fields such as business, commerce, journalism, politics, government, publishing and education.

Asian studies students gain unique insight into a region of the world that is highly important in world politics, business and the arts. A BA in Asian studies complements the study of history, international affairs, Asian languages and geography. Students in our program become adept writers, thinkers and cultural leaders, uniquely equipped to enter a society and job market that value these skills.

  • Gain a diverse interdisciplinary understanding of Asia
  • Benefit from a specialized knowledge of one of the most prosperous regions in the world
  • Study Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Sanskrit or Tibetan languages

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.

Specialized knowledge of Asia gives graduates an edge in the job market and is an excellent way to lay the groundwork for life­long study of a region, or work in or with the region.

 
$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

The BA degree in Asian studies requires 42 credits minimum, 18 of which must be upper division. Some study abroad courses and special topics courses may apply toward the Asian studies major, but they must first be approved by a faculty advisor.

All Asian studies majors complete their degrees with the senior thesis or project in Asian studies, an in­-depth exploration of broad issues that relate to a subregion within Asia or the region of Asia as a whole.

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