Asian Studies

What is Asian Studies?

The Asian Studies major at the University of Oklahoma (OU) provides students with a broad understanding of the cultural, historical, political, and economic dynamics across Asia. Anchored within the David L. Boren College of International Studies, the program equips students with specialized knowledge and intercultural skills highly relevant in today's globalized world. The Asian Studies degree program is enriched by a wide range of study abroad opportunities and course offerings from within the College of International Studies as well as from across the College of Arts and Sciences.

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Do my interests fit?

Students in the Asian Studies Major are typically interested in:

Explore East Asian political systems, history, and culture.
Analyze Asia’s geopolitical influence and its relationship with the U.S.
Understand Asian philosophies, literature, and thought traditions.
Engage with Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or broader Asian pop culture.
Participate in study abroad programs in various Asian countries.
Attend speaker events and cultural seminars on Asian topics.
Develop skills in intercultural communication and diplomacy with an emphasis on Asia.
Contribute to academic journals or translation projects.
Intern with NGO and government organizations focused on Asia.
Learning about Asian economic development and global trade.

Asian Studies FAQ

How can OU Asian Studies help me?

Majoring in Asian Studies at OU uniquely prepares students for careers and postgraduate study in fields demanding cultural competency and specialized regional knowledge. With access to unique resources like the Institute for US-China Issues and the Newman Prizes, students gain hands-on experience with internationally recognized experts and programs. The program’s close ties with study abroad and internship opportunities further enhance students’ real-world understanding of Asia’s complexities and prepare them for global careers.

Our majors enjoy an intellectual life enriched by OU’s abundant research and programming resources including the Institute for US-China Issues which hosts a post-doctoral fellow and important conversations with leading China scholars, the academic journal Chinese Literature and Thought Today which offers student translation and publishing opportunities, the Chinese Literature Translation Archive which regularly hosts pre-doctoral and post-doctoral researchers and visiting professors interested in translation studies, as well as the acclaimed Newman Prizes for Chinese Literature which awards and hosts leading writers from the Chinese speaking world and is home to the international Newman Prize for English Jueju, as well as several Asian language and cultural student organizations.

What's my degree?

Students will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies.

How can I get involved?

There are numerous organizations Asian Studies students can be a part of. Check them out:

Chinese Language Club

Japanese Club

Model United Nations

Asian Student Organizations:

Japanese Cultural Community

Asian American Student Association

Association of Southeast Asian Nations

Korean Student Association

Filipino Student Association

India Student Association

Nepalese Student Association

Pakistani Student Association

Vietnamese Student Association

Wait, can I have a minor?

Typical Minors for Asian Studies Majors :

International Business
Political Science
History
Linguistics
Religious Studies
Sociology
Economics

What courses will I take?

Some of our most popular courses in Asian Studies include:

Chinese Politics
US China Relations
Environment and Disease Crisis in China
2123 China Today
Modern Chinese Literature and Film
Japanese Civilization and Culture
International Relations of East Asia
Religion and Philosophy of China
Contemporary Korea: Society, Culture, and Politics
Introduction to Buddhism in Asia
Advanced Mandarin or Japanese Language courses

How can I study abroad?

OU offers numerous study abroad opportunities in Asia, including:

University partnerships in Beijing and Shanghai, China
Exchange programs with Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan
Semester options in Seoul, South Korea
Short-term study abroad experiences in Thailand, Vietnam, and India
OU’s faculty-led programs focusing on Asian cultural studies

What kind of career could I pursue?

Foreign Service Officer or Diplomat
International Business Analyst or Consultant
Nonprofit Program Coordinator with a focus on Asia
Translator or Cultural Liaison
Journalist or Media Correspondent on Asian affairs
Professor or Academic Researcher in Asian Studies
Language Teacher (Mandarin, Japanese, or Korean)
Intelligence Analyst with a focus on East Asia
Policy Analyst specializing in Asia-Pacific relations

How much will I make?

Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website to explore the median pay for jobs you can pursue with this degree.

Program Accreditation

The Asian Studies major is part of OU's fully accredited David L. Boren College of International Studies, which meets high standards for academic excellence in international and area studies.

David L. Boren College of International Studies
Phone: (405) 325-1396
Email: cis@ou.edu
Website: ou.edu/cis