Asian Pacific American Studies, Certificate


At a Glance: program details

  • Location:
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No
Explore the fundamental contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to U.S. society through historical, cultural and political lenses, with a focus on how events have impacted their individual and community experiences.

Program Description

Asian Pacific American studies educates students in social justice; the global causes and impacts of Asian and Pacific Islander migration; relational and comparative racial formations; and ethnic studies movements that have made, and continue to make, a difference in society for all people.

Topics include diaspora, globalization, U.S imperialism and settler colonialism, social networks, immigration, interracial and interethnic relations, and the health and well-being of Asian Pacific American families and communities. The certificate program provides students with the opportunity to work with a dedicated faculty committed to community-engaged research and student-centered learning.

The Asian Pacific American studies program is housed in ASU's interdisciplinary School of Social Transformation, the only school of its kind in the United States.


Program Requirements

The certificate consists of 18 credit hours, of which at least 12 must be completed at the upper-division level. Nine credit hours of core coursework are required and the remaining nine credit hours are selected from any course with an APA subject. At least nine credit hours must be taken in residency at ASU. All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better.
Required Core Courses -- 9 credit hours
*One APA 360 course is required for the core. The course may be repeated for credit with these different topics: Chinese Americans; Filipinx Americans; Japanese Americans; Multiracial; Pacific Islander.
Electives -- 9 credit hours
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Enrollment Requirements

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.


Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to summarize a range of Asian American and Pacific Islander experiences and communities within local, national and global contexts.
  • Students will perform critical analysis of a historical or contemporary issue affecting the Asian Pacific American population drawing upon key concepts in the field of Asian Pacific American studies.

Career Outlook

Graduates who have combined the certificate in Asian Pacific American studies with their major program of study may be more marketable to employers. They often decide to pursue employment in law, education, public service, and human welfare and social work.

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
  Bright Outlook

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 3.9%
  • Median Salary*: 80910

Customs Brokers


  • Growth: 4.6%
  • Median Salary*: 71690
  Bright Outlook

Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers


  • Growth: 8.2%
  • Median Salary*: 98560
  Bright Outlook

Lawyers


  • Growth: 7.5%
  • Median Salary*: 135740
  Bright Outlook

Political Scientists


  • Growth: 6.6%
  • Median Salary*: 128020
  Bright Outlook

Social and Community Service Managers


  • Growth: 9.1%
  • Median Salary*: 74240
  Bright Outlook

Supply Chain Managers


  • Growth: 8.2%
  • Median Salary*: 98560
  Bright Outlook

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).




Program Contact Information

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