East Asian Studies

Bachelor of Arts

Elisabeth Armstrong writing on a chalkboard

Bucknell East Asian studies majors delve deeply into Asia and the Pacific Rim, a thriving region that brims with rich culture, centuries of history and nations that are key global players in the 21st century. Gain perspective, multicultural awareness and critical-reasoning ability — all essential skills for job success.

Dive into the rich culture of East Asia

The major in East Asian studies offers a comprehensive view of the past and present of some of the world's oldest and and most vibrant cultures. Join our faculty to explore the region from many perspectives, including:

Language
Literature
Arts
History
Politics
Philosophy
Religion
Science
Technology

Degree Programs

The major in East Asian studies requires an emphasis on either China or Japan, a minimum of 11 courses, and a culminating senior or honors thesis. The department offers three minors: East Asian studies, Chinese and Japanese.

See detailed major & minor requirements

Plan Your East Asian Adventure
Study Abroad
The Department of East Asian Studies participates in numerous nationally renowned programs for study abroad — including our Bucknell in Japan summer program and our yearlong affiliated program at Doshisha University in Kyoto — offering students a variety of ways to study for a semester or a year overseas. We encourage East Asian studies majors to spend their junior year in China or Japan.
Learn more about study abroad
Bucknell Grad is New Japan Pro-Wrestling CEO
Outcomes
Harold Meij '86 says he was drawn to Bucknell by the opportunity to pursue the liberal arts as well as professional studies by majoring in Japanese/East Asian studies and business administration. Bucknell also is where he learned to embrace diversity.
"Going to Bucknell gave me a great deal of confidence, and the diversity also served me well — not just the mix of overseas students and people from all over the country, but the range of subjects [offered]," he says.
Read Harold's story