The Center for Asian Studies is pleased to offer the Graduate Certificate in Asian Studies. The certificate is available to all graduate students and post-BA students in the professional schools currently enrolled at CU Boulder, and to non-degree seeking ACCESS students with a bachelor’s degree. It enables students with intellectual or professional interest in Asia who are not focused primarily on Asia within their own degree program to acquire an official credential indicating that they have expertise in some aspect of Asian knowledge or practice.

Program Requirements

  • 12 hours (four courses, unless otherwise determined) of approved graduate courses or upper division undergraduate courses with approval.
    • Specialization allowed in East Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Tibet/Himalaya, or West Asia/Middle East
    • 2 courses in a single discipline or department
    • 2 courses from outside of that discipline or department
    • Thematic courses that have at least 50% Asia content may also be counted, dependent on approval by the Certificate Director and Committee
    • Up to 3 credits may be taken as independent study on an Asia-related topic at the 5000 level or higher with approval from the Certificate Director
    • 9 credits must be at or above the 5000 level
  • Two years' college-level proficiency in an Asian language relevant to specialization (does not count toward the certificate credit hours)
  • All coursework must be completed with a B or higher
  • *Note: Independent Study - Students may take 3 credits of independent study on an Asia-related topic at the 5000 level or higher with a CAS Faculty Affiliate from outside of their home department; students may not take both a theory class and an independent study for the certificate.

How to Apply

  • Write to Lauren Collins (lauren.collins@colorado.edu)
  • Submit transcript to the Center for Asian Studies for review by the Certificate Director and Steering Committee
  • Upon acceptance, meet with the Certificate Director to approve a plan for coursework and meeting the language requirement

For information about which courses are applicable toward which category, please click on the tabs below.

*Note: Independent Study - Students may take 3 credits of independent study on an Asia-related topic at the 5000 level or higher with a CAS Faculty Affiliate from outside of their home department; students may not take both a theory class and an independent study for the certificate.