Why Asian American Studies?

Asian American people are a vital part of the U.S., as illustrated by these facts from Pew Research:

• The population of Asian Americans nearly doubled between 2000 and 2019.
• Asian Americans are projected to become the largest immigrant group in the U.S. by the middle of the century.

You can build your knowledge of this important group's experiences by pursuing an undergraduate certificate in Asian American studies. In addition to learning about Asian American cultures and history, you'll deepen your understanding of diversity and build skills in critical thinking and communication. These qualities will make you an excellent candidate in today's global job market.

Why Now?

In recent times, hate crimes against Asian Americans and others in the U.S. have increased. The causes of these violent acts lie in our nation's historical misunderstanding and stereotyping of minority groups. By pursuing a certificate in Asian American studies, you'll gain the knowledge needed to improve relations between individuals, communities and society.

With your understanding of minority groups' experiences, you'll become a more effective activist in the communities you care about, able to motivate different groups to respect one another and encourage lawmakers to take action to reduce hate crime.

Benefits

When you pursue the certificate in Asian American studies, you'll benefit from the following:

• The ability to take courses from a variety of areas, letting you focus on your interests and goals.
• Professors who understand the importance of diversity and are dedicated to your success.
• Opportunities to meet people with similar interests, allowing you to build personal and professional networks.
• Increased ability to navigate cultural differences, often a key requirement for leadership positions.