We Respect and Celebrate the Differences and Explore Diverse Asian American Communities
Our programs teach the histories, cultures, identities and diverse lived experiences of Asian Americans in the United States, using interdisciplinary approaches of teaching, scholarship, community service and social activism. Our students are campus leaders spearheading initiatives and student organizations, in addition to making real change in Asian American communities across the Bay Area and beyond.
Students who take our courses have developed career paths in diverse fields, including teaching, public service, government, health, journalism, public policy, law and much more. Join us and obtain a unique academic experience, advancing social justice and becoming an active member of the community.
AAS Program Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate with B.A. or M.A. degrees in Asian American Studies will:
- Gain an interdisciplinary understanding of the histories, cultures and racialization of Asian Americans;
- Apply course concepts and critical theories and methodologies to identify the structural and ideological forces that shape the lives of Asian Americans;
- Apply the skills and knowledge acquired toward the self-determination and empowerment of Asian American communities;
- Develop values of social justice, equity, activism and respect for differences; and
- Construct evidence-based and persuasive oral and written arguments with proper citations and support from multiple forms of knowledge, including community and academic resources, that communicate what students have discovered.
“I learned that my students didn't need to wait until college to learn about ethnic studies. It made me reflect on my high school experience and how disengaged I was. I needed a relevant education and by relevant, I mean an education that had me at the center of history & my learning. The concepts & theories that I learned as an AAS major provided me with a framework for my own pedagogy as a teacher today.” — Verma Zapanta, B.A. ’10
Faculty, Courses, Student, Degrees and Degree Pathways
Please note: Data based on Spring 2021.
Overview of AAS Programs
Explore Diverse Asian American Communities
Students who take our courses have developed career paths in diverse fields, including teaching, public service, government, health, journalism, public policy, law and much more. Join us and obtain a unique academic experience advancing social justice and becoming an active member of the community.
General Education
The AAS courses are designed to welcome all students from diverse majors and disciplines to learn about Asian American communities while also meeting General Education requirements for graduation. Some course offerings, such as service-learning courses, also provide students with opportunities to make positive impacts in the community.
AAS Minor
The AAS Minor is designed to complement the undergraduate work of diverse majors and also meet the General Education requirements for graduation. With dedicated faculty who are reflective of the diverse student body at SF State, our Minor Program offers courses that help students develop critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills.
Bachelor's Degree (B.A.)
The B.A. in AAS, taught by renowned teacher-scholars and community leaders, fosters the growth of social activists! With academic support and mentorship, students learn how to think critically and thrive in their journey inside and outside of the classroom.
Master's Degree (M.A.)
The M.A. in AAS equips students with research and cross-cultural competencies to navigate critical explorations of diverse Asian American communities in local, national and global contexts. Students receive close mentorship by faculty experts in their chosen topic of study and build upon their social activism in the community, creating real change that positively impacts different communities.
B.A.+M.A. Degrees Scholars program
The SF State Scholars Program is a unique, hybrid B.A./M.A .program that allows undergraduates to complete their master’s degree in one to two semesters by earning graduate credit in their junior and/or senior year. Save time and money. Earn your B.A.+M.A. in just five years!
Explore AAS Pathways at SF State
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