Overview

It provides a broad interdisciplinary and comparative perspective, to deepen understanding of how Asian people, nations, states, regions and diasporas have developed, functioned, and interacted, and how they view the world and themselves. The major is designed to be flexible, easily tailored to each student’s interests and learning goals, whether those focus on a certain country in the region or on particular transnational issues such as cultural flows, security, or economic development.

Asian Studies majors from Boston University are well prepared for graduate study and for careers in government, local and international non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. Majors study an Asian language (Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, or Urdu) for at least five semesters, acquiring linguistic and cultural proficiency sufficient for professional life in or related to the region; they also develop competence in both humanities and social sciences, and the mini seminar CAS AI 101 helps them integrate these disciplinary approaches and understand the utility and limits of each. Every student builds an Asian Studies Portfolio tracking his or her coursework, language learning milestones, study abroad experiences, participation in Asia-related events, conversations with visiting experts, and reflections. Seniors may present their research projects at an annual symposium. Majors thus have a continuous opportunity to explore, deepen, evaluate, and perhaps revise their own pre-existing beliefs and ideas about the global significance of this large and complex region.

Study Abroad

All majors are strongly urged to spend a summer, semester, or academic year studying in Asia. Students should consult with their advisor about options available through BU Study Abroad. Those include programs with East Asian focus at Fudan University (Shanghai, China); Renmin University Exchange (Beijing, China); Keio University Exchange (Tokyo, Japan); and the Kyoto Center for Japanese Studies (Kyoto, Japan). In Southeast Asia, BU sponsors an exchange program with National University of Singapore. With prior approval from the BU Study Abroad Manager of External Programs and the student’s academic advisor, credit toward the major may also be awarded for coursework completed under the auspices of BU-recommended programs in South Asia (Bhutan, Nepal, and India).

Programme Structure

Courses included:

The Arts of Asia

Comparative Family Systems in Asia

Southeast Asia: Tradition and Development

Culture, Society, and Religion in South Asia

China and Taiwan: Tradition and Transition

Asia’s Ancient Cultures and Civilizations

The Archaeology of Southeast Asia

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-05 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

128 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Boston, United States

Disciplines

Asian studies View 505 other Bachelors in Asian studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

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IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

National

Common Application or Coalition Application

High School Transcript

Senior Year Grades

Counselor Recommendation and School Report Form

Teacher Evaluation

Standardized Tests

International

Secondary School Records

Documentation of Financial Support

Copy of Data Page of Passport

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

69870 USD / year

≈ 69870 USD / year
Out-of-State

69870 USD / year

≈ 69870 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

69870 USD / year

≈ 69870 USD / year

Living costs

Boston

United States

1560 - 3239 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Asian Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Study Abroad

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Boston

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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