Explore Asian culture and history to better understand and complement fields of research that interest you, such as art, technology, finance and law.
Program Description
The Asian studies certificate program supplements a bachelor's degree, providing students with knowledge of a language relevant to the study of Asia as well as general knowledge of Asian history, art, culture and society.
Graduates possess official transcript recognition of specialization in Asian studies.
Program Requirements
The certificate requires 24 credit hours of approved coursework, in addition to proficiency in a language relevant to the study of Asia. Fifteen credit hours of upper-division area studies coursework must be chosen from at least four different disciplines, e.g., language and cultures, history, religious studies, anthropology, geography, political science, global studies, art and music. Courses from other disciplines may be used by approval. The remaining nine credit hours may be chosen in any combination.
At least six upper-division hours in the certificate must be in courses offered by The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. A minimum grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) is required for each course that is used to fulfill the certificate requirements.
Language Requirement
Students must demonstrate proficiency in a language relevant to the study of Asia by completing the 201 and 202 course sequence, one year of study abroad at the intermediate level or satisfactory performance on a proficiency exam. Acceptable languages include Arabic, Chinese, French, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese. Students who are already proficient in one of these languages, or in another language relevant to the study of Asia that is not offered by ASU, such as Dutch, Tagalog or Urdu, may fulfill the requirement by passing a proficiency exam.
Disciplinary Electives -- 24 credit hours
Upper Division Disciplinary Electives (15)
At least four different disciplines must be represented within the upper-division disciplinary electives (e.g., history, religious studies, global studies, anthropology). Crosslisted courses will only apply to the certificate under one discipline; students may choose the discipline that is most advantageous.
Disciplinary Electives (9)
Students select the remaining disciplinary electives from the lists below in any combination.
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
Enrollment Requirements
GPA Requirement: None
Incompatible Majors: BA in Asia studies (East Asia); BA in Asia studies (South Asia); BA in Asia studies (Southeast Asia); BA in global Asia studies
Other Admission Requirements: There are no specific admission requirements other than a student's desire to learn about Asia.
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Career Outlook
Graduates who have combined the certificate in Asian studies with their major program of study often decide to pursue employment in teaching, journalism, global finance and banking, international law and global public health. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.
Community Health Workers
Growth: 14.1%
Median Salary*: 46190
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Growth: 3.9%
Median Salary*: 80910
Customs Brokers
Growth: 4.6%
Median Salary*: 71690
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Growth: 8.2%
Median Salary*: 98560
Lawyers
Growth: 7.5%
Median Salary*: 135740
Political Scientists
Growth: 6.6%
Median Salary*: 128020
Social and Community Service Managers
Growth: 9.1%
Median Salary*: 74240
Supply Chain Managers
Growth: 8.2%
Median Salary*: 98560
Interpreters and Translators
Growth: 4.3%
Median Salary*: 53640
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Growth: 1.4%
Median Salary*: 76030
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.
For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
To add a minor, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
To add a certificate, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
