Area, Ethnic, Cultural, and Group Studies > East Asian Studies

East Asian Studies

Majoring in East Asian Studies prepares students for graduate study in the field as well as for professions in government, education, commerce, law, and other fields in which East Asian countries play an important role on a global scale. Studying East Asia as a major involves learning about the region's history, politics, and culture with a concentration on China, Japan, and Korea. You will not only learn to speak Chinese or Japanese fluently, but also about the region as a whole, its people and their cultures, and the role they play in the world today. Those interested in East Asia can take introductory classes in the region's languages, works of literature, art, and cultural histories (including history, anthropology, and sociology). Career paths after completing this program include teaching, software engineering, policy analysis, and grant writing, all of which are in high demand in both the public and commercial sectors.