Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies

Effective July 1, 2024, the Bachelor of Arts degree in Asian Studies now offers undergraduates TWO paths of study. Both are suitable for students seeking career options in foreign services and diplomacy, international NGOs, and international trade, among other fields, including advanced academic study. More detailed information regarding degree requirements can be found in the General Announcements.

  1. The Major Concentration in Transnational Asian Studies is a research-based study of the peoples of Asia through history, politics, migration and diaspora, trade, religion, art, and philosophy. The Asian Studies major requires a minimum of 30.0 credit hours. All students seeking the B.A. in Asian Studies must take the introductory course ASIA 295 "Introduction to Transnational Asian Studies." The Asian Studies capstone, ASIA 495, is required for all students choosing the Degree Concentration in Transnational Asian Studies. It concludes the degree with substantial research work based on students' own design and data collection, in addition to the ability to integrate Asian language materials in research. Students receive strong language training combined with cultural proficiency, eventually working toward sophisticated expertise in Asia in general with a few specialized areas of choice.
  2. The Major Concentration in Asian Language supports advanced studies of Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. This concentration requires a minimum of 10 courses, including the introductory course in theory and research (ASIA 295) and nine elective courses. Four to seven of these elective classes will be in the study of Asian languages, with at least three of the language classes in this category at the 300-level or above, reflecting advanced studies in an Asian language. No more than two languages may be included in the coursework for this major. The additional two to five classes for the major are to be drawn from the courses taught by faculty in, or affiliated with, the Department of Transnational Asian Studies. Majors are encouraged (although not required) to pursue a certificate in their language of study, administered within CLIC.

For more information, contact:

Sonia Ryang, sonia.ryang@rice.edu
Director of Undergraduate Studies

or

Lisa Balabanlilar, balabanlilar@rice.edu
Department Chair