Learn the history and current issues of Asian Pacific American communities. With a broader understanding of the Asian American experience, you'll be better prepared to serve your local community.
Why Study Asian American Studies?
Asian American history is American history. With a major in Asian American studies (AAS), you will learn their stories. You'll study the culture and experience of Asian Pacific American communities. You'll apply the Asian American experience of immigration and oppression to modern-day issues. In doing so, you'll highlight current social issues and fight for justice and equity.
You will learn important skills for your future career from your AAS major. You will hone your critical thinking skills through your discussions and classwork. You will also develop research skills through your papers and projects. You will be ready for a career in business, government, education and more.
Why Study Asian American Studies at CSUN?
CSUN's Department of Asian American Studies offers one of the most extensive curricula in the CSU system. Our more than 30 courses examine a wide range of topics, including politics, race, history and identity.
Direct Mentoring
Our department offers one-to-one mentoring services for AAS students. You'll meet regularly with one of our full-time faculty members. They will support your educational journey from course selection to career advice.
Major or Double Major
We offer both a standard major and double major option. The standard major option is for students who want an AAS degree to be their main focus. The double major option is for students who want to study AAS as their second major. Both options take the same core classes, but the double major option takes fewer electives.
Engage the Community
Go beyond the classroom through our field practicum class. We'll help you connect to partners in the local community to observe and take part in their work. They include:
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Research Coalition
- API Equality-LA
- Chinese Historical Society
- Japanese American Citizens League
- Thai Community Development Center
You'll gain real-world experience and contribute meaningfully to local Asian American communities.
What You'll Learn
Study the Asian American experience in this multidisciplinary field. You'll examine topics like immigration, family, literature and psychology. It will give you a broad base to understand the different histories and cultures of Asian Pacific American communities. You'll also gain critical thinking and research skills through completing projects and participating in your courses.
As an Asian American Studies major, you'll have the option of completing the standard AAS major or the double AAS major.
In both options, you'll take the same core courses, where you'll learn about:
- The history of Asian Americans
- Contemporary issues in Asian American studies
- Race and racism
- Asian Americans in literature and media
The rest of your courses will depend on which option you choose.
The standard major option is for students who are choosing Asian American studies as their main degree. Along with your core courses, you will take courses in each of the following areas:
- Literary and cultural studies
- Ethnic and comparative experiences
- Gender and sexuality studies
- Law, policy and institutions
- Social relations and family
You will take an additional elective course. You may also choose a course focused on Asia from another program with AAS chair approval.
Finally, you will take an advanced seminar to complete your degree. You may either choose an intensive study course on a selected topic or complete a senior seminar in which you complete a senior thesis.
The double major option is for students who want to study AAS as their second major. Along with your core courses, you will take courses from our broad range of classes. They include:
- Asian American Fiction
- Biracial and Multiracial Identity
- Asian American Sexuality
- Urbanization and Asian American Communities
- Asian American Personality and Mental Health
Finally, you will take an advanced seminar to complete your degree. You may either choose an intensive study course on a selected topic or complete a senior seminar in which you complete a senior thesis.
Careers & Outcomes
By earning a major in Asian American studies, you will be ready for a variety of careers. Your critical thinking and research skills will appeal to many employers. Your knowledge of the Asian American experience will also help you serve those communities. You can confidently enter fields such as business, government, medicine and more.
Common career paths for graduates include:
- Lawyer
- Journalist
- Community organizer
- Teacher
- Urban planner
- Social worker
Helping you to thrive.
Visit the Glenn Omatsu House, home of the Asian American Studies Pathways Project (AASPP). Study on our computers and use our free printers. We even have free scantrons and other school supplies. See how else we support our Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi American students.
Study Abroad
We encourage our AAS students to study abroad through CSU International Programs or CSUN’s campus-based exchange programs. You'll be able to live and learn in Japan, China, Korea or Taiwan. You'll see interactions between Asian influence and Western culture up close. You will also get another perspective on the Asian diaspora. To ensure you will meet your degree requirements, you'll work closely with a department advisor to coordinate your studies.