Asian Studies
Most observers agree that we are entering the "Century of the Pacific." Asia plays a pivotal role in international political, economic, and social affairs.
Taking advantage of its East Asian location, University of Maryland University College (UMUC) offers an extensive and unique program in Asian studies. Students may choose courses from a variety of disciplines for their program, including special topics courses and field study courses that combine academic work with the opportunity to travel and explore Asia.
While in Asia, students of the Japanese and Korean languages can practice their language skills daily. Other courses in the Asian studies program will help you understand your host country. If your job involves extensive contact with local people, Asian studies courses may provide insights and skills to improve your job performance. And your knowledge of Asia–its peoples, languages, cultures and traditions–will enrich your personal experience as a traveller or resident.
Careers
American business, government, and the military need people who know and understand Asia. The U.S. trades more with East Asia than with Europe. Asian studies, combined with business and management, can prepare you for a career in international trade. In government, the Department of State and other federal and state agencies have a continuing and growing need for Asia specialists. Fluency in languages gives you a distinct advantage, and UMUC Asia has excellent programs in Japanese and Korean.
For more information on career opportunities, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook, Peterson’s Job Opportunities, and other specialized guides to the job market.
Degree Programs in Asian Studies
University of Maryland University College offers programs leading to certificates and associate degrees in both Japanese Studies and Korean Studies, and a bachelor of arts degree in Asian Studies. For further information on certificates and associate degrees, see:
Bachelor's Degree in East Asian Studies
For a bachelor of arts degree with a major in Asian Studies, students must complete 30 credits in approved courses about Asia, to include:
Major in East Asian Studies
For a bachelor of arts degree with a major in Asian Studies, students must complete 30 credits in approved courses about Asia, to include:
- First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)
- Introductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)
- Foundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits)
- Additional Required Courses (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)
- Capstone Course for Major (to be taken in the last 15 credits)
- Minor and/or Elective Courses (to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (46)
- Detailed Degree Description
LIBS 150 Introduction to Research (1)
WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)
or WRTG 101S Introduction to Writing
MATH 103 College Mathematics (3)
or MATH 107 College Algebra (3)
or a higher-level math course
Total credits for BA in East Asian Studies: 120
Minor in East Asian Studies
A minor in Asian Studies requires the completion of 15 credits in Asian Studies, to include:
Earning Your Degree with UMUC
Employers and the military recognize a college degree as a major academic achievement. An associate or bachelor's degree from UMUC distinguishes you as a graduate of one of America's leading public universities.
UMUC participates in the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Degree Programs for Military Personnel, so you can complete your degree in Asia or at a future duty location.
Your UMUC degree may be closer than you realize. Learning acquired through military experience, examinations, and course work from other schools may be applied to your degree. UMUC may accept as many as 45 credits from these sources toward an associate degree and up to 90 credits toward a B.A. or B.S. degree.
A wide variety of online courses in computer studies and other fields are available through UMUC's distance education (DE) programs, and are helping many students make progress towards UMUC degrees. For lists of courses offered, visit the UMUC Asia DE Web site and click on “Schedule of Classes.”
Contact a UMUC Academic Advisor to arrange for an evaluation of your course work and experience to determine where you stand in your degree program.
Getting Started
- Many students begin with a class on the life and culture of their host country, like JAPN 333/334 Japanese Life and Culture or KORN 333 Korean Life and Culture.
- If you'd like to start with a broad introduction to Asian studies, enroll first in a general survey course like ASTD150 or 160 Introduction to Asian Studies.
- Start your study of a foreign language with JAPN 111 Elementary Japanese, or KORN 111 Elementary Korean.
- Along with Asian studies courses, take basic courses in English, history, sociology, government and politics, economics, philosophy, and mathematics. These courses will providea foundation for your subsequent Asian studies course work and also help fulfill UMUC Asia’s General Education Requirements.
- Get the full benefit from UMUC's unique Asian studies program. The University faculty offer a variety of courses specifically developed to take advantage of our location in Asia. Special topics courses, including many one-credit weekend courses, cover a wide range of subjects.
- To make yourself more marketable, take courses in fields that complement Asian studies, like government and politics, economics, and business and management.
Academic Advisors
UMUC Asia Academic Advisors are based at Yokota, Kadena, and Yongsan, and also travel frequently to most education centers. They advise students in person, by telephone, and by e-mail, and prepare evaluations of students’ academic progress. Your local UMUC Asia Field Representative can put you in touch with an Academic Advisor.
UMP-104 (4M 9/06)
