Asian American Studies (AAS) offers an interdisciplinary minor that examines Asian Pacific American (APA) experiences in many socioeconomic, cultural, political and educational aspects and how they shaped and shifted APA communities across the nation. Similar to other subfields in ethnic studies, the training and a minor in AAS are crucial in ensuring students’ success in a culturally diverse United States of America, in which the Asian American population is now the fastest growing and amongst the most influential minorities. Additionally, in a 21^st century global economy, a minor in this field is becoming much needed in building the cross-cultural and transnational understandings for those who wish to pursue a career involving the growing opportunities in Asian countries.

A minor in Asian American Studies prepares students for a variety of careers in counseling, human services, nursing, public administration, journalism, business, law and health professions as well as teaching careers in English, history, political science, psychology, sociology and K-12 and beyond education.

The minor in Asian American Studies at UH provides students with opportunities to research and interact with ethnically diverse members of the Asian and Asian American communities through local projects and the China Study Abroad Program. Integrated topics include immigration, diaspora, transnationalism, Asian/Asian American cultures through literature and film, and global leadership in education.

What will I learn?

Students will learn about Asian American Studies from a broad range of perspectives. Topics include, but are not limited to:

• Asian American history, cultures, and communities
• Asian American literature and arts
• Cross-cultural and transnational understandings between the United States and Asia
• Global leadership in education

To enrich this coursework, the program also offers:

• Community based research projects
• Study abroad programs
• Scholar exchange programs
• Community activities
• Internship

What can I do with my degree?

A minor in Asian American Studies prepares students for a variety of careers in the following professions:

• Counseling
• Human services
• Nursing
• Public administration
• Journalism
• Business
• Law and health professions
• Teaching Asian languages and cultures

Since degree plans change periodically, students will follow the degree plan that is in place at the time in which they complete an official, approved degree plan. Following is the most current sample degree plan for a Minor in Asian American Studies.

To apply for this minor, make an appointment with an Asian American Studies undergraduate advisor.

For more detailed information about coursework, please visit the Asian American Studies Center website.

Undergraduate Student Handbook

While containing important information about the university, the Undergraduate Student Handbook is not comprehensive in its listings. Instead, vital information is presented, and when necessary, the handbook will refer to other publications that provide more detailed information. The provisions of this handbook do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, between any person and the University of Houston.

To apply for this minor, make an appointment with an Asian American Studies Undergraduate Advisor.