Asian Studies Major
Program Overview
What is an Asian studies degree?
Knowledge of other cultures, especially from a region as influential as Asia, is critical for a complete education. An Asian studies Bachelor of Arts degree is an intensive course of study in the cultures, politics, economics and history of Asia, exploring connections across the Pan-Asian region or focusing on China, Japan and South Asia.
Why study Asian studies at Furman?
Our Asian studies program takes an interdisciplinary approach to prepare you for a career at home or abroad. We offer the Bachelor of Arts degree with three majors focusing on Asian Studies, Chinese Studies and Japanese Studies. As a major in our department, you can gain a broad understanding of the entire continent or specialize in a particular region. Our program introduces our students to everything from the languages of China and Japan to South Asian music and popular culture to the social and environmental implications of rising Asian economies. Plan a visit to Furman’s beautiful campus or start your application today.
How will you learn?
Engaged learning within a private liberal arts and sciences university is the framework for your student experience at Furman. Our interdisciplinary approach will give you a deep breadth of knowledge and inspire you to discover connections between varied interests. Our program includes faculty from seven different academic departments, including history, literature, philosophy, anthropology, religion and others, ensuring you will have the opportunity to study Asia from every angle. At Furman, we believe an interdisciplinary approach will help you explore and understand the planet’s largest and most populous region – and our robust language, study away and internship programs will help you see that region from the ground up.
Careers for Asian studies majors
Many B.A. recipients go on to further studies, including postgraduate programs and training in Asian languages. The Furman Asian studies department can help prepare you for a variety of careers in this increasingly vital field, including:
- International finance
- Diplomacy and government service
- Public health
- Translation
- Journalism
- Law
- Public policy research, analysis and planning
- International development
- Social work
Asian studies courses: What will you study?
Sample courses include:
View all courses-
94%placement rate six months after graduation (employed or in graduate school)
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No. 6U.S. News and World Report rank among national liberal arts colleges in the Southeast
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9:1student to faculty ratio
Our faculty
Your academic advisor will help you explore your passions, define your interests and achieve your goals. You’ll tap into a widespread network of community and alumni mentors to help you on your individual educational path – and to the opportunities at the end of it. Furman’s Asian studies faculty represents decades of study and real-world expertise in multiple academic departments. Take your first steps by contacting admissions or reading more about how to apply.
Alexander Francis-Ratte
Katherine "Kate" Kaup 白荷婷
Lisa Knight
Savita Nair
Shusuke Yagi
Dongming Zhang
Many B.A. recipients go on to pursue postgraduate degrees and training in Asian languages. Many graduates of Asian studies programs have also found success in diplomacy and government, international aid as managers and analysts, social work, global finance, public health and public policy. Some also work in journalism as reporters, producers and editors, and international development, as consultants and advisors.
The average annual pay for graduates with an undergraduate degree in Asian studies is $57,299 or more, according to ZipRecruiter. While salaries can exceed $121,000, the majority of majors earn between $38,500 and $66,500, with top earners making $94,000 or more annually.
The Asian studies B.A. program is typically a four-year program.
