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.

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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.

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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.

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WGSS Presents: “Writing Queer Women’s History: Finding A Place of Our Own” Talk and Light Reception with June Thomas
Oct14
WGSS Presents: “Writing Queer Women’s History: Finding A Place of Our Own” Talk and Light Reception with June Thomas Oct 14 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Experiential Learning Opportunity Scholarship - Student and Alumni Panel
Oct14
Experiential Learning Opportunity Scholarship - Student and Alumni Panel Oct 14 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches)
Oct15
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches) Oct 15 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
2026 Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program Info Session
Oct15
2026 Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program Info Session Oct 15 Condon Hall
2025 Shakeout Walk and Talk
Oct16
2025 Shakeout Walk and Talk Oct 16 Museum of Natural and Cultural History
The Department of Geography Presents: “Authoritarian Developmentalism and Urban Techno-Futures in the Gulf” Lecture by Natalie Koch
Oct16
The Department of Geography Presents: “Authoritarian Developmentalism and Urban Techno-Futures in the Gulf” Lecture by Natalie Koch Oct 16 Knight Library
Career Tour-Tech Edition
Oct17
Career Tour-Tech Edition Oct 17 Ford Alumni Center
2025 Oregon Postdoc Symposium
Oct17
2025 Oregon Postdoc Symposium Oct 17
National Day on Writing
Oct20
National Day on Writing Oct 20 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Film Screening: "Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution"
Oct20
Film Screening: "Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution" Oct 20 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)

All events »