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

Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages Commencement Ceremony

Sunday, June 15th, 2025
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
East Campus Green

More Commencement information

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.

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, 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.
GLOBAL STUDIES, ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES - Scholars from the two universities have spanned that global gap, most recently when six faculty members from KIU spent two months this winter at the UO with a shared goal of confronting climate change through research and enhancing teaching.

All news »


CLLAS/Latinx Studies Undergraduate Awards Ceremony & Mixer
May30
CLLAS/Latinx Studies Undergraduate Awards Ceremony & Mixer May 30 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Cinema Studies and University Film Organization Present: UO Film Festival
May30
Cinema Studies and University Film Organization Present: UO Film Festival May 30 Lawrence Hall
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
May30
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE May 30 Miller Theatre Complex
gradCONNECT: Trip to the Coast
May31
gradCONNECT: Trip to the Coast May 31 Oregon Coast
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
May31
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE May 31 Miller Theatre Complex
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
Jun1
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Jun 1 Miller Theatre Complex
Intermediate French classes e-Portfolios showcase
Jun2
Intermediate French classes e-Portfolios showcase Jun 2 Dream Lab
Physical Chemistry Seminar – Following and controlling nanoscale formation and function of bottom-up assembled materials
Jun2
Physical Chemistry Seminar – Following and controlling nanoscale formation and function of bottom-up assembled materials Jun 2 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Department of History Coffee Hour
Jun3
Department of History Coffee Hour Jun 3 McKenzie Hall
Dept. of History Seminar Series: “Public Housing in Postwar Japan, 1945-1960"
Jun3
Dept. of History Seminar Series: “Public Housing in Postwar Japan, 1945-1960" Jun 3 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)

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