Asian Studies (B.A.) Academic Course Map

The Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies (ASIA) at CU-Boulder is offered by the Center of Asian Studies, the largest and oldest area studies center on campus.  The major encompasses a diverse interdisciplinary study of Asia and gives students an opportunity to discover Asia through a wide variety of courses that reflect the astonishing diversity of the region. Many students choose Asian Studies as a second major to complement the study of such subjects as history, international affairs, and geography. As part of your Asian Studies major requirements, you will receive a thorough grounding in the history of Asia and you will study an Asian language: Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Sanskrit, or Tibetan.  All majors will complete their Asian Studies degree with ASIA 4830, an in-depth exploration of broad issues that relate to a sub-region within Asia or the region as a whole.

Upon completion of this course of study, you will have received a highly individualized and broad education in the Asian region that will allow you to better understand its history and culture as well as its current dynamics.  Many employers in this increasingly interconnected world seek job applicants with an international perspective. The study of Asia is highly relevant in this global age, and its influences can be seen in the fields of politics, economics, the arts, religion, music, film, and more, while a majority of the State Department's Critical Languages, including Arabic, Farsi, Hindi, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Indonesian, are Asian languages.

Admission Requirements

Students who begin at a Colorado Community College can transfer directly to CU Boulder to finish their degree in any of the programs offered by the College of Arts and Sciences. Please see the CU Boulder College of Arts & Sciences’ Colorado Community College webpage for more information detailed information admissions requirements for students transfering from a Colorado Community College. 

Transfer Recommendations

To graduate in a 4-year time frame, it is important that students follow the recommended schedule. Students who wish to continue their education at the community college beyond the number of credits specified below should explore with both community college and CU Boulder staff how their graduation timeline, COF stipend, and financial aid will be affected.

Suggested Four-Year Course Plan for the Asian Studies (ASIA) major 

This is a suggested guide of coursework only and is subject to change. Always consult your academic advisor for graduation planning purposes. Depending on a student’s situation, a different plan might be more applicable. 

Please check to see if at least the first two semesters of Japanese language are offered at your community college as this transfer guide requires the completion of two semesters of an Asian language at a community college. Students wishing to pursue an Asian language other than Japanese should complete the first two semesters of this course map and then transfer to CU Boulder to start their language in a fall semester.

Community College (first two years)

Fall Semester 1

Spring Semester 1

Fall Semester 2

Spring Semester 2

Total credits at your community college: 60

Completion of the four semesters of coursework above fulfills the requirements for an Associate of Arts Degree at your community college and fulfills the General Education requirements at CU Boulder.

CU Boulder (last two years)

Fall Semester 3

Spring Semester 3

Fall Semester 4

Spring Semester 4

Total credits at CU Boulder: 61