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Asia Studies (Southeast Asia) ,BA

Asia Studies (Southeast Asia), BA

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Asia Studies (Southeast Asia)

Asian Studies, Cultural Studies, Diplomat, Global Affairs, Indonesia, International Politics, International Relations, Islam, Muslim, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, history, law, religion

ASU is no longer accepting new students to this program. Students interested in this program should apply to the Global Asia Studies BA program.


Dive deep into the history of Southeast Asia, from the beaches of Vietnam to the ornate temples of Thailand. Explore the region through transdisciplinary courses, and examine contemporary political, social and cultural issues in Asia to gain a strong understanding that will aid you in any career you pursue.

Program description

The BA program in Asia studies offers students the opportunity for in-depth study of East Asia, South Asia or Southeast Asia through a coherent curriculum of academic study across a number of disciplines. The transdisciplinary approach provides students with a variety of intellectual tools to address contemporary political, social and cultural issues in Asia and to apply their knowledge in various academic and practical settings.

The Asia studies degree program with a concentration in Southeast Asia includes coursework that covers:

  • Brunei
  • Burma/Myanmar
  • Cambodia
  • East Timor
  • Indonesia
  • Laos
  • Malaysia
  • the Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam

In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: Yes
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options
Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities
Global experience

Students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the very cultures they are studying through Global Education programs available throughout Southeast Asia. They can deepen their understanding of Southeast Asian history, philosophy and culture, and the heightened cultural competency, adaptability, critical thinking and communication skills they acquire through study abroad will enhance their resumes.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these study abroad programs for students majoring in Asia studies with a concentration in Southeast Asia.

Career opportunities

People knowledgeable about Asia are required in virtually every arena in which the U.S. interacts with the rest of the world, including:

  • communication and journalism
  • diplomacy, trade and international organizations
  • food security
  • higher education
  • humanitarian service and philanthropy
  • intelligence
  • law and law enforcement
  • military studies
  • technology transfer
  • transportation and tourism
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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