Asia, broadly-defined, is becoming increasingly important for the United States, and the Asian Studies minor is intended to provide a solid foundation for a clear understanding of the history, culture, society, and politics of this critical region.  In the light of the United States’ growing economic and political ties with many Asian countries, this program can help the students obtain valuable knowledge in various disciplines, including business, social sciences, and humanities.  This minor can also help students broaden their perspectives and better prepare for their careers in an interconnected world.

Students who choose Asian Studies as their minor are required to complete 18 credits of coursework with a minimum of 9 credits taken in residence at Westfield State.   All Asian Studies minors taken POLS 0110 and then choose five electives from at least three different departments - Art, Communication, Ethnic and Gender Studies, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, and World Languages.  of the five electives, no more than two can be 100-level, and at least two must be 200-level.  The 9-credit residency requirement is waived for students who study in the university’s exchange programs in Asia.  With the program advisor’s approval, students may take up to five Asian Studies courses from exchange program institutions in Asia.