Asian Studies Minor
Get a working grasp of Asia — its histories, cultures, philosophies, and growing global weight — in 15 credit hours that fit alongside any major.
Program Overview
At Shawnee State, you'll benefit from small classes, faculty who know you by name, and a learning environment focused on real-world relevance. Our commitment to student success and hands-on learning ensures you leave prepared to make meaningful contributions in any field you choose.
At A Glance
Asian Studies Minor
Degree
Minor
Format
On campus
Length
Typically completed alongside a bachelor's degree
Credits
15 credit hours
Why Study Asian Studies Minor at Shawnee University
Asia is where a growing share of the world's economic and political activity happens.
Knowing something specific about its history, religions, and cultures is a real advantage in nearly any field.
Two core history courses give you a foundation; three electives let you go deeper into Hinduism, East Asian history, Asian philosophy, or non-Western art — choose what fits your interests. It pairs cleanly with majors in political science, communication, business, pre-medicine, and the humanities.
The cultural literacy you build transfers to law, journalism, healthcare, and the social sciences.
Small classes and faculty who specialize in this material mean you get conversation and feedback, not lectures into a void.
Fifteen credit hours total. You take two required history courses and choose three electives from across art history, history, and philosophy. A minimum grade of C in each course is required.
- Required core (6 credit hours): HIST 3350 — Asian American History; HIST 3414 — Asia: History and Culture
- Choose three electives (9 credit hours) from: ARTH 3366 — Non-Western Arts Survey; HIST 3400 — History of Hinduism; HIST 3410 — East Asian History; PHIL 2284 — Asian Philosophy
The Asian Studies minor is a strong complement to any major where global awareness matters.
- Political Science majors interested in international relations or comparative politics
- Communication and journalism majors who'll cover global stories
- Business majors planning to work with Asian markets, supply chains, or partners
- Pre-medicine students preparing to work with diverse patient populations
- Any student curious about Asian cultures and their role in the world today
Courses meet on Shawnee State's Portsmouth campus, primarily in Massie Hall.
Asian Studies Minor Frequently Asked Questions
Fifteen credit hours — 6 hours of required Asian history and 9 hours of electives across history, philosophy, and art history.
No. The minor is built around history, culture, art, and philosophy in English. Students interested in language study can pursue that separately.
Up to 9 credit hours may double-count toward a related major. Check with your advisor for specifics.
