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Asian Pacific American Studies, Certificate

Explore Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander histories, cultures and social movements. Build analytical, community-engaged and leadership skills that strengthen majors across the social sciences, humanities, education, public service and the arts.

Students practice traditional fan movements, reflecting cultural learning in the certificate in Asian Pacific American Studies.

Quick facts

Additional facts

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Certificate description

Asian Pacific American Studies undergraduate certificate description

The Asian Pacific American studies certificate program educates you 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. You have the opportunity to work with dedicated faculty who are committed to community-engaged research and student-centered learning.

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

Why earn an Asian Pacific American studies undergraduate certificate at ASU?

Located in the Phoenix metropolitan area, this certificate connects you with Arizona's growing and diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Your coursework can partner with local organizations, schools, cultural centers and advocacy groups through projects and, where applicable, internships or independent studies. As a flexible, additive credential, it lets students across a wide range of majors document focused expertise in Asian Pacific American Studies on their transcript, strengthening preparation for careers or graduate study involving AANHPI communities, migration, equity and inclusion work.

Additional details

The Asian/Asian Pacific American Students Coalition at ASU brings multiple Asian American and Pacific Islander student clubs together under one umbrella, helping you find the group that best fits your interests. Through the School of Social Transformation, you can also attend regular events, lectures and workshops featuring activists, scholars and artists engaged in racial and social justice work, many of which connect directly to Asian Pacific American Studies.

Courses

Course checksheet and curriculum archive

The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.

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.

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What you'll learn

The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.

  • 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.
  • Students will be able to summarize a range of Asian American and Pacific Islander experiences and communities within local, national and global contexts.

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 student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.


Explore expanded study opportunities

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.

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 recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Career opportunities

Careers this Asian Pacific American studies undergraduate certificate prepares you for

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 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.

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.

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