Asian Studies

Undergraduate Minor

Lion Dance performed by the Colorado Asian Cultural Heritage Center Team

Deepen your international knowledge with an Asian studies minor

UW’s Asian studies minor is a unique, interdisciplinary program that allows students to study an Asian region or a single country of interest. Throughout the program, students study Asian history, politics, society and culture. Students may additionally choose to study a language or complete a study abroad program to take their education to the next level.

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Lion Dance performed by the Colorado Asian Cultural Heritage Center Team

This program is currently offered in
the following locations:

Laramie Campus

About the Asian Studies Minor

The Asian studies minor is an 18-credit-hour program in which students take one required introductory course and a variety of electives. This program is highly customizable and gives students the opportunity to choose courses related to the topics and regions they find most interesting. Through these courses, students learn about Asian culture, history and the global dynamics between Asian countries and other nations.

UW’s Asian studies program is a wonderful complement to other regional, language-based or international studies majors or minors. Students may receive additional credit toward this minor through study abroad programs and language courses.

Lion Dance performed by the Colorado Asian Cultural Heritage Center Team

 

 

Students must be pursuing an undergraduate degree program at the University of Wyoming to declare an Asian studies minor.

Lion Dance performed by the Colorado Asian Cultural Heritage Center Team

 

 

Asian Studies Minor Highlights

Unique Courses

Asian studies minors get the unique opportunity to create their ideal program by choosing from a long list of approved elective courses.

  • Introduction to Asian Studies: This course provides students with an overview of the region, including its political, cultural and historical context.
  • East Asia Society and Economy: This course helps students understand the politics of economic development and contemporary transformations of social norms in East Asia.
  • Politics and Society of Turkey: This course situates a particular national territory (Turkey) in a global context, to help students understand the transformative role of particular Asian—in this case, West Asian—contexts in global politics and economy.
  • Government and Politics of Asia: This course provides a detailed survey of governments across the world region, and helps students understand how distinctions have emerged between different national contexts.

 

UW’s Asian studies faculty are highly regarded and accomplished in their fields.

  • Dr. Yi-Ling Chen focuses on global cities, with a comparative approach that helps students understand global cities in East Asia in relation to urban centers elsewhere, including in Europe.
  • Dr. Thomas Seitz specializes in political development in Asia with a focus on Indonesian politics.  
  • Dr. Nicholas Crane teaches and does research on Turkey, a country that plays a key role in Eurasian politics due to its position in Western Asia and on the periphery of Europe.
  • Dr. Nevin Aiken focuses on conflict and post-conflict processes in social contexts across the world and leads Asian studies courses focused on conflict resolution in Southeast Asia.

Meet Our Faculty

Study abroad programs are a wonderful way for students to experience new cultures, broaden their perspective and apply their knowledge. UW’s international studies faculty have led programs to east, southeast, south and west Asian destinations.

Discover study abroad programs

We believe internships are the best way for students to gain hands-on experience and build their professional network prior to graduation. Students have recently interned with government agencies, congressional delegations, private companies and non-governmental organizations.

What can you do with an Asian studies minor?

An Asian Studies minor can enhance your qualifications for a wide range of careers that value cultural knowledge, language skills and global awareness. Graduates often pursue jobs in international business, government, education, journalism, translation, non-profit work and cultural exchange programs. It also pairs well with majors like political science, history, economics or international studies, opening doors to careers in diplomacy, global marketing, intelligence or academia.

Here are some examples of jobs you may do with an Asian studies minor:

  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Intelligence Analyst
  • International Business Consultant
  • ESL Teacher (abroad)
  • Translator or Interpreter
  • Policy Analyst
  • Journalist or Foreign Correspondent
  • Cultural Program Coordinator
  • Study Abroad or International Student Advisor
  • Nonprofit Program Coordinator (Asia-focused)

  • Engineers Without Borders USA
  • Arizona Department of Economic Security
  • Rivian
  • Meta
  • IllFonic
  • Douglas County School District
  • University of Delaware
  • Purdue University
  • University of Wyoming Geological Museum

Studying Asian studies offers valuable insights into the cultures, histories, languages and politics of one of the world’s most diverse and influential regions. It builds strong skills in cross-cultural communication, critical thinking and global awareness. The program also deepens understanding of international relations and prepares students for careers in diplomacy, education, business, journalism and nonprofit work. Whether paired with a related major or pursued out of personal interest, Asian studies helps students become more informed global citizens and competitive candidates in international fields.

The Asian studies minor is designed to complement a variety of undergraduate majors, enhancing students' global perspectives and cultural competencies. Specifically, this interdisciplinary program pairs well with majors such as:

Study Abroad In Asia

Experience the rich histories and cultures of China, India, the Arab world and Malaysia through a unique three-week travel-study program. You’ll explore vibrant cities, visit museums and villages, engage in service learning with a local charity and participate in hands-on cultural activities like a pewter workshop, night markets and traditional cuisine. From the Singapore Zoo to the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, this immersive program blends education, cultural exploration, and fun—offering an unforgettable opportunity to learn, grow and see the world through a new lens.

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Table of students talking

"Only those who study Asia understand how and why it represents the crucible of challenges and opportunities shaping the world of the twenty-first century. Studying the history, politics, cultures and languages of Asia offers the key to analyzing these challenges and opportunities. Our Asia Studies Minor can help you find that key."

- Dr. Tom Seitz | Associate Professor