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Degree Title

Bachelor of Arts

Summer A 2024 Start Date:

May 6, 2024

Summer B 2024 Start Date:

June 17, 2024

Overview

As the world’s industries become increasingly global, the demand for graduates with a background in international studies, such as Asian Studies, has grown. Since its financial crisis decades ago, Asia has become a significant emerging market, and is poised to capture double-digit growth rates in the worldwide e-commerce scene, according to Research and Markets. Asia is also the Earth’s largest and most populated continent, rich in natural resources and human resources as manufacturing for multinational companies continues to dominate the region. Understanding these facts, the Asian Studies program drives the FIU mission to foster greater international understanding through collaborative engagement with our local and global communities.

The Asian Studies B.A. degree is designed for students who wish to pursue a career that focuses on the region. Classes emphasize a multidisciplinary approach of study and cover language and culture, philosophy and religion, as well as arts and literature. With an in-depth look at China, Japan, India, and Central and Southeast Asia, the program also includes classwork on issues in history, politics, geography, sociology/anthropology, international relations, education and business in the global environment. Moreover, classes provide relevant and current instruction, advising, and experiential opportunities for students in an environment that promotes scholarship, critical thinking, free inquiry and clear and candid communication.

Through this program, students become intellectual analysts of the region’s innate culture and shared history in order to discern current and future demands of industries worldwide.

 

  • Why Apply?

    United States relations with Asia are fluid and changing as our new administration constructs and readdresses international policies. Asia’s emerging market is predicted to experience record growth in e-commerce. As multinational companies enter the Asian market, the need for specific knowledge of the region including its history, languages, culture, as well as government and business environments is more crucial than ever. With globalization and the growing importance of cross-cultural understanding in business and government, graduates will be well-positioned for a wide variety of careers.

    Graduates of this fully online program pursue careers in both the private and public sectors. A degree in Asian Studies prepares graduates for employment with international businesses, government entities, education organizations, journalism careers, the travel and tourism industry, social services and programs, as well as information technology, translation services, the art industry, international law, and e-commerce ventures.

  • Courses

    Program Completion Requirements


    A total of 120 credits are required for the Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies. Students must complete all University Core Curriculum, University, and Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs requirements. Students must earn a grade of "C" or higher in all courses required for the major. A grade of "C-" or lower is NOT acceptable in any required course. This is a university rule as stated in the Undergraduate Catalog under the College of Arts and Sciences.

    In addition to the above requirements, students pursuing a B.A. in Asian Studies must complete the following: 



    Core Course (3 credits)

    • ASN 3410 Introduction to East Asia (fulfills the Global Learning UCC Foundations OR Discipline-Specific; and the Gordon Rule with Writing)


    Capstone Course (3 credits)

     

    • ASH 4300 East Asian Civilizations

    • ASN-prefix Courses (9 credits)


    Students will complete 9 credits of any course with the ASN-prefix that is offered fully online. Some examples include:

     

    • ASN 3016 China Then and Now

    • ASN 3125 Spirituality of Japan

    • ASN 3143 Corporate Culture of China (Discipline-Specific Global Learning)

    • ASN 3200 Asia Through Film

    • ASN 3202 Japanese Anime and Manga

    • ASN 3329 Women in Asian Society

    • ASN 3403 Zen and the Art of Tea Ceremony I

    • ASN 4404 Zen and the Art of Tea Ceremony II (no prerequisites required)

    • ASN 3410 Introduction to East Asia

    • ASN 3414 Visual Cultures of East Asia

    • ASN 3503 Exploring East Asia: Virtual Reality Travel

    • ASN 4111 Japan and the New East

    • ASN 4810 East Asian Texts in Translation

     

    Asia-Related Courses (9 credits)


    Students will complete 9 credits of Asia-related online courses. Courses can be from multidisciplinary approaches covering the humanities and arts and/or the social scientific studies which have a focus in Asian Studies. Students are encouraged to complete their coursework on areas including: Art & Art History, Economics, Geography, History, International Relations, Literature, Philosophy, Politics, Religion, Sociology/Anthropology.

    Asia-related courses that are available online include but is not limited to the following:

     

    • ANT 3241 Myth, Rituals, Mysticism

    • ANT 3451 Anthropology of Race/Ethnicity

    • ASH 3223 Middle East 1800-present

    • ASH 3440 History of Japan

    • ASH 4404 History of China

    • CPO 3403 Politics of the Middle East

    • CPO 4401 Arab-Israeli Conflicts

    • DSC 4012 Global Terrorism

    • ECS 3200 Economics of Asia

    • FIN 4604 International Financial Management

    • GEO 3421 Cultural Geography

    • HFT 3713 International Travel and Tourism

    • INR 3081 Contemporary International Problems

    • INR 3226 International Relations of Central Asia

    • INR 3703 International Political Economy

    • INR 4082 Islam and International Relations

    • REL 3308 Studies in World Religions

    • REL 3316 Healing in Asian Religions

    • SYP 3456 Societies in the World

    • WST 3015 Introduction to Global Gender and Women's Studies


    Language Requirement (6 credits)


    Students must complete two semesters of an Asian language (i.e. Japanese, Chinese, or other Asian languages may apply). Only levels one and two are available online. If a student tests out of language courses, s/he must fulfill the requirements with additional course work.

     

    • JPN 1130 Japanese I (or other Asian language Level 1)

    • JPN 1131 Japanese II (or other Asian language Level 2)

     

    Main Concentration (6 credits)


    To satisfy this requirement, students should take additional courses in contemporary and/or comparative Asian issues in the area of choice from ASN- or Asia-related courses (see above).

    Students may also request up to six (6) credits in independent studies and may receive credits through Study Abroad courses or an Internship program.

    Selected sample of courses (see list of courses above, or contact an advisor for other possible courses available online):

     

    • ASN 3016 China Then and Now

    • ASN 3143 Corporate Culture China

    • ASN 4111 Japan and the New East

    • JPN 3500 Japanese Culture and Society

    • REL 3340 Survey of Buddhism


    If you have any advising questions or a question about a specific course, please email asian@fiu.edu.

  • Requirements

    Requirements Checklist

    To ensure every student’s success, we have certain admissions requirements for each of our programs. To help you through the application process, our enrollment advisors are here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.

    Applications are accepted for Spring, Fall and Summer terms.


    Steps To Apply:

    First Year Students

    Please submit the following:

    • Online application

    • $30 application fee.

    • Official SAT, ACT and/or CLT scores.

    • Official high school transcripts


    Transfer Students

    Please submit the following:

    • Online application

    • $30 application fee.

    • Official college transcripts.

    • If you have less than 60 transferable college credits, you must also submit official high school transcripts and SAT, ACT and/or CLT scores in addition to any transcripts from postsecondary schools to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.


    International Students

    In addition to the above requirements, international applicants should submit:

    • Official English Language Proficiency exam scores (TOEFL or IELTS).

    • Official translations of any transcripts, if not in English.

    • If you have less than 60 transferrable college credits, you must also submit official high school transcripts with translation.

     

    Returning Students

    Returning students must meet the current university and degree-specific requirements to be admitted.

    FIU has policies for students who left FIU, please click here for more details.

    Please submit the following:

    • Online application $30 application fee.

    • Updated official transcripts

     

    Program Admission Requirements

    • Candidates must first be accepted into the university. Students admitted to Florida International University are admitted directly to their chosen major.

    Program Completion Requirements

    A total of 120 credits are required to complete the fully online undergraduate degree. Students must complete the University Core Curriculum, University requirements and College of Arts, Sciences & Education requirements while satisfying requirements toward their Asian Studies major and are expected to make good progress based on critical indicators, such as GPA in specific courses or credits earned. In cases where students are not making good progress, a change of major may be required. The College of Arts, Sciences & Education advisors work to redirect students to more appropriate majors when critical indicators are not met. For specific course requirements, visit the Courses tab on this program page.


    Admission Documents

    To complete the online undergraduate programs admissions form, select your program from the application form. You may complete the online application and submit it, even before taking any entrance exams. All supporting admission documents may be sent to:

    Florida International University
    Office of Undergraduate Admissions

    P.O. Box 659003

    Miami, FL 33265-9003

    USA



    FIU also accepts transcripts electronically via:

    • Faster (All FL public institutions)

    • Naviance (Typically used by private high schools)

    • SMART/Joint Service Transcript – Military records

    *Meeting the university minimum requirements does not guarantee admission

  • Tuition

    We’re thrilled that you’re considering online education and want you to know exactly what to expect for tuition and fees. Education is an investment in your future. Use the following student tuition and fees calculator to determine your costs.
  • Top Faculty

    Steven Heine

    Dr. Steven Heine is Professor of Religious Studies and History and Director of Asian Studies. His research focuses on East Asian religion and society. As Program Director, he oversees the curriculum development for the online degree and advises students. His most recent publication is a book titled From Chinese Chan to Japanese Zen: A Remarkable Century of Transmission and Transformation (Oxford University Press, 2017).

    Ian Cohen

    Ian Cohen, Adjunct Instructor, focuses his research on the evolution of the portrayal of the Japanese in Chinese and Hong Kong martial arts cinema. He teaches ASN 3200 Asia Through Film. This popular course uses cinema to explore perceptions of Asian history, society, and culture.

    Marcela Lopez-Bravo

    Marcela Lopez-Bravo, Adjunct Instructor, has a background in linguistics as well as a certificate in Introduction to Online Learning. She has spent extensive time in Asia. Her courses are ideal for both beginner level and advanced students. They cover a wide range of topics from historical trends to contemporary pop culture.

    Amy Bliss Marshall

    Dr. Marshall, Assistant Professor of Japanese History, focuses her research on mass media and mass culture in Japan. Her history courses offer students an in-depth look at social and cultural trends that shaped Japan’s history and continue to inform its present, providing a broad overview of Japanese society from its earliest history to the contemporary era.

    Kubota Masako

    Kubota-sensei, Adjunct Instructor of Japanese Language and Culture, recently led the FIU Honors College Study Abroad program Japan. Her JPN 3500 Japanese Culture and Society examines the social issues and culture of Japan from the years 1600-1868, ideal for both beginners and more advances students.

    Asuka Mashav

    Dr. Mashav, Assistant Director of Language Programs, Japanese Language Instructor, and Director of Summer Study Abroad Program at APU, focuses on Japanese language classes and has helped build a strong language curriculum. Her research interests are Japanese language pedagogy and Japanese culture. She teaches multiple levels of Japanese online.

    Eric Messersmith

    Dr. Messersmith, Asian Studies Lecturer, focuses both on historical and contemporary East Asia. With a background in International Relations and extensive training in the art of tea ceremony, his courses, ideal for students of all levels, examine historical and modern political trends as well as culture.

    Satoko Nourishirazi

    Satoko-sensei, Adjunct Instructor, teaches beginner level Japanese classes online. She continues to be a popular and effective teacher.

    Shenggao Wang

    Dr. Shenggao Wang, Chinese Language and Culture Instructor, specializes in teaching Chinese as a foreign language as well as introductory courses on Chinese history, culture, and the contemporary trends of globalization, environmental issues, and rapid economic growth.

fiuonline.fiu.edu

120 Credits Required

fiuonline.fiu.edu

235.57 Per Credit Hour (In-State) + Fees

fiuonline.fiu.edu

648.87 Per Credit Hour (Out-of-State) + Fees

* Total tuition and fees are subject to change.

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