Asian Studies Major
Note: This webpage is in the process of being updated. The information currently listed here generally reflects the curriculum requirements for the Elliott School’s academic programs for students starting before Fall 2024. If you are an Elliott School student who started at GW before Fall 2024, you can find your full degree requirements in the archived Bulletin for your matriculation year. If you are an Elliott School student who is starting at GW in Fall 2024 or later, you can find your full degree requirements in the current Bulletin.
From discussion in the classroom and expert faculty to ambassador visits to campus and unique study abroad opportunities, when you major in Asian studies at the Elliott School you won’t just study it, you’ll experience it. You’ll understand and engage with this pivotal region, building knowledge of civilizations with a long and rich history. Starting with disciplinary foundations to first understand any aspect of international affairs, you’ll proceed to take courses in history, political science, economics, and anthropology. You’ll also develop language skills, deepening your knowledge and understanding of the region. All Elliott School students must also complete the General Bachelor of Arts requirements in addition to their major requirements.
What You'll Study
You’ll begin with a foundation in political science, economics, history, and anthropology that prepares you to deal with issues that cross political and cultural boundaries. From this base, you’ll explore a wide variety of subjects beginning with international politics and policy, moving through trade and economics, development and human rights, culture, and regional studies. All of our students take a language through the third year of college instruction, and most of our students pursue this study through a semester or a year abroad.
Opportunities
Study Abroad
With more than 70% of Elliott students studying abroad, there are an abundance of programs and countries that you can choose to enhance what you’ve learned in D.C. Our students have traveled across remote areas of China, through major cities like Hong Kong, Seoul, and Taipei, and in other areas of the region and world to enhance their knowledge.
Internships
While study abroad enhances understanding, you don’t have to leave D.C. to get global experience. Our campus is just blocks from the White House and State Department, a metro ride away from Capitol Hill and close to embassies who call the city home. With GW students finding more than 12,000 internship opportunities each year, you can find something that helps you meet your goals.
There is no better place for a professional career-focused program on Asia than the Elliott School of International Affairs, where academic and policy worlds, as well as expertise and resources on Asia, come together in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Ed McCord
Professor Emeritus