Asian Studies

The Asian Studies program at Suffolk University offers students a comprehensive exploration of the diverse and dynamic cultures, histories, political systems, and societies of Asia. This interdisciplinary program is designed to provide a deep understanding of the region's significant influence on global affairs and its rich cultural heritage. Through a combination of language studies, historical analysis, political science, economics, and cultural studies, students develop critical thinking skills and cross-cultural competencies essential for careers in international relations, government, business, and nonprofit sectors. The curriculum includes courses on East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian, and Central Asian topics, enabling students to tailor their education to specific regions of interest. Students have the opportunity to engage with authentic Asian languages, such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or Hindi, fostering language proficiency alongside cultural literacy. The program emphasizes experiential learning through study-abroad opportunities, internships, and research projects that connect academic knowledge with real-world applications. Faculty members with expertise in Asian history, politics, and culture guide students through rigorous coursework, encouraging analytical thinking and informed perspectives. Graduates of the Asian Studies program are well-equipped to pursue graduate studies or professional careers in international diplomacy, global commerce, cultural exchange, journalism, or education. Suffolk University’s location provides an excellent platform for engaging with Asian communities and organizations in the Boston area, further enriching the educational experience. Committed to fostering intercultural understanding and global awareness, the Asian Studies program prepares students to become informed, responsible leaders in an increasingly interconnected world.

Detailed Course Facts

• USD 16265 Semester (National)

Full-time: 12-17 credits per semester $16,265

Students must complete a minimum of 126 credits for graduation.

• English

Course Content

• AS-100 Introduction to Asian Studies: Culture, People, Ideas

  Credits:

  4.00

  Description:

  An interdisciplinary introduction to Asian Studies will touch upon the history, politics, economics, philosophy, geography, arts, and cultures of Asia. Sample topics include political economy, religious and cultural exchanges, international relations, Asian experience in America, and the role of Asia in the twenty-first century. Students will develop conceptual frameworks for exploring the subjects covered by the Asian Studies curriculum.

  Term:

  Offered Fall Term

  Type:

  Asian Studies,Cultural Diversity Opt B,Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement,Divers

• AS-210 Traditional Chinese Society From 1800 to 1949

  Credits:

  4.00

  Description:

  This course focuses on traditional Chinese society from 1800 to 1949, taking up such areas as family and kinship, social mobility, education, economic and social differentiation, community and social life, and popular belief. Examining the practices and ideologies underlying each area will enhance our understanding of the nature of traditional Chinese society, and help explain how elements of Chinese traditional culture contribute to modern Chinese identity and everyday life.

  Term:

  Occasional

• AS-220 Chinese Food in America

  Credits:

  4.00

  Description:

  There are more Chinese restaurants in the U.S. than MacDonald's, Burger Kings and KFC'S combined. This course examines the unique American phenomenon of Chinese food from a historical and anthropological viewpoint. Students will gain a better appreciation and understanding of the subject through the course and will probably never look at local Chinese takeout the same way afterwards.

  Type:

  Asian Studies

• AS-500 Asian American Community Experience

  Credits:

  4.00

  Description:

  This course facilitates students' exposure to Asian American communities and enhances their knowledge of diverse Asian cultures through research projects and service activities or an internship. Students will study under the guidance of the Director of the Major program and/or a faculty member as well as work with a community organization or service agency for a semester. They will engage in specific projects or an internship in collaboration with the assigned organization or agency to understand the cultural values and current issues relating to Asian populations. They will complete required hours as per the arrangement with the site and submit a comprehensive service/research report on their learning process and critical reflection of their experience at the end of the semester.

  Term:

  Offered Both Fall and Spring

  Type:

  Expanded Classroom Requirement

• AS-510 Independent Study

English Language Requirements

TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test : 77

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

We do not use specific minimums for scores or grades in the decision process, but weigh all factors together to gain a whole view of you and your potential for success as a Suffolk University student:

• Level and range of high school courses selected
• Grades achieved (official high school transcript with senior year grades)
• SAT or ACT scores (our code is 3771)
• Recommendations (two required; one from a guidance counselor, one from a teacher)
• The essay
• Other required forms
• Admission interview (optional)
• Transfer students should view the transfer requirements page for more details.

In high school, you should have completed:

• Four units of English
• Three units of mathematics (algebra I and II and geometry)
• Two units of science (at least one with a lab)
• Two units of language
• One unit of American history
• Four units distributed among other college preparatory electives

We may also consider other factors in the review process, such as:

• Class rank
• Honors courses
• AP courses

We are also very interested in personal qualities that will offer us further insights into you as an applicant, including:

• Admission interview
• Extracurricular involvement
• Community service
• Special interests

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Suffolk University.

Asian Studies at Suffolk University offers students a comprehensive understanding of the diverse cultures, histories, and political landscapes of Asia. The program is designed to foster critical thinking and intercultural competence through multidisciplinary coursework that covers topics such as Asian history, politics, economics, literature, language, and society. Students have opportunities to explore major civilizations within Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asian countries, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills relevant to a variety of careers. The curriculum emphasizes regional studies, encouraging students to analyze contemporary issues such as globalization, international relations, security, and development within the Asian context.

Students can choose from a range of courses taught by faculty with expertise in Asian languages, history, political science, and cultural studies. The program also offers minors in Asian Studies, allowing students from other disciplines to complement their major coursework with regional specialization. Suffolk University may provide study-abroad opportunities, partnerships, or exchanges with institutions in Asia to enhance experiential learning, although specific details should be verified through official sources. Graduates of the Asian Studies program are well-prepared for careers in international business, government, non-governmental organizations, journalism, or further academic study. The program aims to equip students with language proficiency and cultural literacy, making them valuable contributors in fields requiring regional expertise and cross-cultural communication. The program's flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies to their interests and career aspirations, integrating courses from related disciplines to create a well-rounded academic experience.