Asian Studies
College of Arts & Sciences
Students will develop their ability to read, write and speak one or more Asian languages and will combine those language skills with Asia-related studies in various humanities disciplines. Students are encouraged to explore wider interests by taking courses in other units and to take advantage of numerous study abroad opportunities. A popular option for many is to combine a minor in Asian Languages and Cultures with a major from another department, such as Computer Science, Business Administration, or Global and Regional Studies. Graduates go on to a wide variety of careers, reflecting the indispensability of knowledge of Asian languages and cultures in our increasingly interconnected world.
Applicant type
First-year students can apply to the UW to begin autumn quarter or winter quarter (U.S. applicants only)
An application for general admission to the UW is required for all transfer students. UW accepts general applications for Autumn and Winter with some select majors allowing applications in Spring. Review your intended major’s website for information about which quarters it is open for admission.
Preparation for the major is a factor in transfer admission.
Use the information below to help you prepare for this major. Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.
- Visit MyPlan to run a degree audit.
- Use the UW Equivalency Guide to find out how courses taken at a Washington state community or technical college will transfer to the UW.
- UW college and school graduation requirements
Department admission information
Admission to this major is open. Students in good academic standing can declare this major at any time. Students may take coursework from multiple regions of Asia for a general concentration or pursue a concentration in China, Japan, Korea, South Asia or Southeast Asia. Major is 50 credits, plus second year college-level language proficiency.
Although admission is open, students are strongly encouraged to prepare for the major before transfer. See the department website for more information.
Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.
Courses RECOMMENDED for admission:
- 2 years of relevant modern Asian language or 2nd year college-level proficiency in an Asian Language helpful but not required for admission.
- JSIS 201 — Making of the 21st Century (May be taken as a transfer course at Bellevue, Edmonds or Shoreline Colleges.)
- Courses to develop writing skills, social sciences
- Introduction to Asian civilization courses
Entering transfer information:
Total undergraduates: 42
Total from Washington community colleges: 15
Entering transfer GPA (from WA community colleges):
3.75 – 4.00: <5
3.50 – 3.74: <5
3.25 – 3.49: <5
3.00 – 3.24: <5
2.75 – 2.99: <5
2.50 – 2.74: <5
2.49 and below: <5