BA Asian Pacific American Studies


Explore how immigration, race relations and globalization influence the experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander peoples and policies in the U.S., and learn beneficial skills to help with participation in your community, workplace and society as well as the critical theoretical and analytic foundations for graduate and professional degree programs.

Program Description

The BA program in Asian Pacific American studies prepares students to address issues of justice, equity and access at the intersections of citizenship, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, and class and culture, and to identify actions and solutions based in community experiences and community-based research across multiple disciplines.

The program 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.

Students have the opportunity to work with a dedicated faculty committed to community-engaged research and student-centered learning. Interdisciplinary faculty members have expertise in critical ethnic studies, diaspora and 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.


Required Courses (Major Map)

Major Map

Major Map on-campus archive

What if: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.


At a Glance: program details

  • Location: Tempe campus
  • Additional Program Fee: Yes
  • Second Language Requirement: Yes
  • First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
  • Math Intensity: General program math intensity general




Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Freshman Transfer International Readmission

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.



Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.



Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.



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Affording College

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Scholarships

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Career Outlook

Graduates who complete the bachelor's degree program in Asian Pacific American studies possess skills relevant for any career, professional degree or graduate school. Training from this program also complements work in positions involving:

  • business
  • community organizations
  • creative arts
  • education
  • health
  • immigration
  • journalism
  • law
  • social work

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. Career examples include but are not limited to:

Cultural Studies Professor


  • Growth: 4.9%
  • Median Salary*: $78,840
  Bright Outlook

Educator


  • Growth: 4.4%
  • Median Salary*: $41,570

High School Teacher


  • Growth: 3.8%
  • Median Salary*: $62,870

Historian


  • Growth: 2.6%
  • Median Salary*: $63,100

Human Resources Specialist (HR Specialist)


  • Growth: 7.0%
  • Median Salary*: $63,490
  Bright Outlook

Intelligence Officer


  • Growth: 1.1%
  • Median Salary*: $86,940

Lawyer


  • Growth: 4.0%
  • Median Salary*: $126,930

Museum Curator


  • Growth: 12.6%
  • Median Salary*: $56,990
  Bright Outlook

Public Relations Manager (PR Manager)


  • Growth: %
  • Median Salary*:
  Bright Outlook

Religious Leader


  • Growth: 4.0%
  • Median Salary*: $51,940

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).



Global Opportunities

Global Experience

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu





Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.