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Asian Studies Major

Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies

Gain comprehensive knowledge of a chosen culture or geographic area in Asia with the Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University.

In this undergraduate program, you'll study Chinese, Japanese or Korean, and you'll take courses focusing on several disciplines, including anthropology, history, language, literature and religion. The Asian Studies Major prepares you for careers requiring linguistic proficiency and cultural knowledge in an array of global fields, such as business, education, government and media.

Classes & Curriculum

The 123-credit Asian Studies Major can be completed over four years of full-time study. Depending on your focus, courses offered in this program may include the following.

  • China: State and Society
  • Contemporary Chinese Urban Film and Fiction in Translation
  • Introduction to Buddhism
  • Introduction to East Asia: China
  • Introduction to East Asia: Japan
  • Introduction to Southeast Asia: Mainland
  • Mystery and Crime Fiction in Japan

Students in their final must satisfy a capstone writing requirement in the Seminar in Asian Studies. Learn more about required courses for the Asian Studies BA.

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Certificate Programs

The College of Liberal Arts has 22 undergraduate certificate programs for you to expand your knowledge and diversify your Temple education. Certificates can complement bachelor's programs, allowing you to specialize in an area and highlight your exposure to disciplines outside of your major.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $19,608.00 per year
Out-of-state: $35,232.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

Advising support is provided by the College of Liberal Arts Center for Academic Advising. You can find more information on the CLA Academic Advising webpage (https://liberalarts.temple.edu/students/academic-advising).

Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development

Dedicated advisors at the Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development in the College of Liberal Arts are available to guide students through their academic careers and with their career paths beyond Temple. They can help you choose a major, navigate your curriculum, identify internship opportunities, explore career opportunities and determine your post-graduation plans. Learn more about the center.

Program Contact

If you have questions regarding the Asian Studies Major, contact the following staff member.

TJ Cusack is the senior manager of administration.
Email: 

University Honors Program

The College of Liberal Arts participates in Temple’s Honors Program. Learn more about the program and how to be admitted. 

Students who meet certain academic and extracurricular criteria may become members of the following honor societies. 

  • Alpha Lambda Delta is a national society that honors academic excellence during a student's first year at college.
  • Golden Key is an international society that enables members to realize their potential through the advancement of academics, leadership and service. 
  • Phi Beta Kappa is open to juniors and seniors in the College of Liberal Arts. To qualify for Phi Beta Kappa, a student must maintain a high grade point average in a broad, rigorous program of study in the liberal arts, including mathematics and foreign languages.

Learn more about Temple’s honor societies.

Student Clubs & Organizations

Supplement your College of Liberal Arts coursework and enhance your undergraduate experience at Temple with more than 300 student clubs and organizations. You’ll have opportunities to meet and network with other students, get involved with the community, grow your interests, and develop résumé-boosting skills and experiences.

Learn more about Temple’s student clubs and organizations.

Study Away

College of Liberal Arts undergraduate students are encouraged to study away for an academic year, semester or summer. Enrich your experience at Temple by immersing yourself in study abroad programs in Korea and Tokyo, Japan, as well as exchange programs in China and Taiwan. Improve your knowledge around the culture and society of your host country, and boost your oral, listening, reading and writing skills in your target language.

Learn more about study abroad opportunities.

Accreditation

Temple University’s departments and programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Additional Program Information