Asian Studies

The University of Oregon’s Asian Studies Program emphasizes interdisciplinary study in Asian languages, history, society and culture, art and literature, politics, and economics. Established in 1942, the Asian Studies Program is one of the oldest interdisciplinary programs in the United States to focus on Asia.

A huge thank you to Portland real estate developer, philanthropist and UO alumnus Jordan Schnitzer and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, for a landmark $25 million gift to CAS that will empower future global leaders and problem solvers! The School of Global Studies and Languages is now named the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages, and we are truly excited to be a part of it!

Learn More about Schnitzer School

What You Can Do with a Degree in Asian Studies

A degree in Asian Studies gives you a range of options nationally and abroad. Alumni have enjoyed successful careers in:

  • Academia
  • Consulting
  • Economics
  • Government service
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Marketing
  • Media
  • Museum administration and curation
  • Research
  • Teaching

Our Degree Programs

Undergraduate students have options to major in Asian Studies or to minor in East Asian Studies, South Asian Studies, or Southeast Asian Studies. Graduate students may choose to pursue a master of arts degree or to specialize in Asian Studies.

Person talking at podium

Learn from Experts in the Field

The Asian Studies faculty encompasses a breadth of knowledges across departments, disciplines, countries, and cultures. Learn more about them, their research, and their publications.

Group photo of students

Get Real-world Experience

Our students extend their learning beyond the classroom through numerous experiential learning opportunities. Immerse yourself in another culture while studying abroad, develop vital job skills in an internship, or conduct original research on a topic that sparks your interest. The UO offers programs in Asia from a semester abroad to a full year at an Asian university.

Scholarships and Funding

Students in the Asian Studies Program can apply for funding through the College of Arts and Sciences and the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Undergraduate Scholarships 
Graduate Funding

Academic Support

Our academic advisors can help students understand their major or minor requirements, plan their course of study, explore study abroad opportunities, and more.

Undergraduate Advising  
Support for Graduate Students

Asian Studies News and Events

ASIAN STUDIES - What are Labubus? Why are they popular and did you know the Oregon Duck once dressed up as one? Alisa Freedman, a professor of Asian studies at the University of Oregon who specializes in pop culture, shares insight about the Asian pop trend that's taken over the US.
After announcing a landmark $25 million commitment, Portland developer, philanthropist and alumnus Jordan Schnitzer shares his thoughts on living in an ever-globalizing world—and his hopes for the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages.
ASIAN STUDIES, EAST ASIAN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES - Fulbright Scholar and CAS Professor Alisa Freedman is chronicling the rise of women’s scholarship during a five-month trip to Vietnam, where she's helping women professors find their footing in the academic publishing world.

All news »


There Is No Word for Museum in My Language: An O'odham View of the Art World
Nov6
There Is No Word for Museum in My Language: An O'odham View of the Art World Nov 6 Museum of Natural and Cultural History
Indy and Industry Pathways: Discussion + Screening
Nov6
Indy and Industry Pathways: Discussion + Screening Nov 6 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Politics in London Information Session
Nov6
Politics in London Information Session Nov 6 Prince Lucien Campbell Hall (PLC)
Fall Ring Lecture of the Jordan Schnitzer Global School of Languages: "Retrieving Humanism in Broken Times"
Nov7
Fall Ring Lecture of the Jordan Schnitzer Global School of Languages: "Retrieving Humanism in Broken Times" Nov 7 Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA)
IRES Presents: “The Mahele of our Bodies: Nā Moʻolelo Kūpuna Māhū/LGBTQ” Book Talk with Stephanie Nohelani Teves
Nov7
IRES Presents: “The Mahele of our Bodies: Nā Moʻolelo Kūpuna Māhū/LGBTQ” Book Talk with Stephanie Nohelani Teves Nov 7 Knight Library
University Theatre presents: “The Moors”
Nov7
University Theatre presents: “The Moors” Nov 7 Miller Theatre Complex
University Theatre presents: “The Moors”
Nov8
University Theatre presents: “The Moors” Nov 8 Miller Theatre Complex
Spanish Immersion Study Abroad Programs
Nov10
Spanish Immersion Study Abroad Programs Nov 10 McKenzie Hall
Eugene History Pub Lecture Series: "The Front Runner: The Life of Steve Prefontaine"
Nov10
Eugene History Pub Lecture Series: "The Front Runner: The Life of Steve Prefontaine" Nov 10 Whirled Pies Downtown
Department of History Coffee Hour
Nov11
Department of History Coffee Hour Nov 11 McKenzie Hall

All events »