Asian Pacific American Studies, BA
Engage in the histories and experiences of one of the fastest growing ethnic communities in the U.S., and examine how those experiences reflect local and global processes affecting our society and communities. Develop valuable analytical and applied skills via small, student-centered classes.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Asian Pacific American Studies degree description
The Bachelor of Arts in Asian Pacific American Studies prepares you to engage with and transform your communities by exploring the histories, struggles and contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander peoples. The program emphasizes real-world learning through community partnerships, internships and independent research, while fostering skills in activism, creative expression and cross-cultural understanding. You gain tools for future careers and community leadership, with an emphasis on well-being, creativity and making positive change.
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
Why study Asian Pacific American studies at ASU?
You'll study in Tempe, part of the Phoenix metropolitan area, where the program connects you with Arizona's growing and diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Housed in the nationally recognized School of Social Transformation, the major links closely with African and African American studies, justice studies, and women and gender studies, broadening your grasp of critical social movements and justice. Within that setting, you build close relationships with faculty, advisors and peers who share a commitment to inclusive, community-centered work.
Tap into ASU's scale and resources, including undergraduate research opportunities, scholarships dedicated to SST majors, the APACE Academy pipeline program, and wide-ranging student support services. You can easily pair this major with related programs like justice studies or Asian studies, or add minors in ethnic studies or women and gender studies, gaining flexibility while staying grounded in a strong home unit.
Additional details
Outside the classroom, you can join cultural and identity-based student organizations, volunteer in the community, and attend campus events that spotlight AANHPI histories and cultures. The Asian/Asian Pacific American Students Coalition at ASU brings together multiple AANHPI student clubs, helping you find the one that fits your interests. SST also hosts regular events, lectures and workshops featuring activists, scholars and artists working in racial and social justice.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| APA 200 Introduction to Asian Pacific American Studies |
| APA 360 Asian Pacific American Experience |
| APA 450 Asian Pacific American Contemporary Issues |
| SST 484 Internship |
| SST 499 Individualized Instruction |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Analyze a historical or contemporary issue affecting the AAPI community.
- Ability to critically discuss and analyze Asian American and Pacific Islander experiences and communities within local, national and global contexts.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the history of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the U.S. through an internship or a research project under the supervision of an ASU faculty member.
Analyze a historical or contemporary issue affecting the AAPI community.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Students in the Asian Pacific American studies program are able to enhance their education by studying abroad.
With more than 300 Global Education programs available to them in more than 65 countries, including many countries in Asia, students can improve their language skills, gain firsthand experience in their field of study, and immerse themselves in new and distinct cultures. Students gain a new perspective on international affairs, dispel stereotypes and improve their cultural competency.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these programs for students majoring in Asian Pacific American studies.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cultural Studies Professor | 2.7% | $85,020 | Learn more |
| Educator | 1.8% | $50,890 | Learn more |
| High School Teacher | -0.2% | $72,040 | Learn more |
| Historian | 3.0% | $76,750 | Learn more |
| Human Resources Specialist (HR Specialist) | 6.4% | $75,940 | Learn more |
| Intelligence Officer | 0.2% | $93,790 | Learn more |
| Lawyer | 4.7% | $159,670 | Learn more |
| Museum Curator | 4.9% | $63,420 | Learn more |
| Public Relations Manager (PR Manager) | 5.7% | $146,910 | Learn more |
| Religious Leader | 2.4% | $60,810 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this Asian Pacific American studies degree prepares you for
Graduates possess skills relevant for any career path, professional degree program 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
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Social Transformation
|
WLSN 5th floor
SSTadvising@asu.edu
480-965-7682
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
