Online Bachelor's Degree

East Asian Studies

DEGREE AT A GLANCE

120 credits
Transfer up to 90 credits
All courses available online
Select hybrid courses available

TUITION RATES

$324 per credit (in-state)
$499 per credit (out-of-state)
$250 per credit (military)
Other fees may apply

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In the online bachelor's program in East Asian studies at UMGC, you’ll examine East Asia's rich past and continuing contributions to the global community. The program provides an overview of the history, economics, politics, culture, and languages of the region, which includes China, Korea, and Japan. The curriculum, designed with input from employers, industry experts, and scholars, combines theories with practical skills that will be valuable if you live or work in East Asia, know East Asian languages, or regularly interact or work with people from East Asian countries.

Courses
Requirements
Sequence

(3 Credits, ASTD 284)
(3 Credits, ASTD 285)
(3 Credits, PHIL 348)
(3 Credits, ASTD 485)
East Asian language courses (9 credits): Courses designated CHIN or JAPN and numbered 111, 112, 114, or higher
Upper-level East Asian content courses (9 credits): ASTD, CHIN, JAPN, KORN, Asian HIST, and Asian GVPT courses and (3 Credits, ANTH 417) apply (focused study in China or Japan recommended)

Degree Focus

To align with the 9-credit upper-level requirement listed above, we recommend you choose from one of the following groups of classes below to align with your career interests:

China Focus

(3 Credits, HIST 480)
(3 Credits, ASTD 370)
(3 Credits, ANTH 417)

Japan Focus

(3 Credits, HIST 482)
(3 Credits, JAPN 333)
(3 Credits, ANTH 417)

Sequence	Course	Requirement(s) Fulfilled
1	(3 Credits, PACE 111C)	General Education: Research & Computing Literacy
2	(1 Credit, LIBS 150)	General Education: Research & Computing Literacy
3	(3 Credits, WRTG 111)	General Education: Communication
4	(3 Credits, IFSM 201)	General Education: Research & Computing Literacy
5	Choose the course that aligns with your degree focus: China: (3 Credits, CHIN 111) Japan: (3 Credits, JAPN 111)	Major
6	(3 Credits, NUTR 100)	General Education: Biological & Physical Sciences
7	(3 Credits, ASTD 284)	Major
8	Choose the course that aligns with your degree focus: China: (3 Credits, CHIN 112) Japan: (3 Credits, JAPN 112)	Major
9	(3 Credits, SPCH 100)	General Education: Communication
10	(3 Credits, MATH 105)	General Education: Math
11	Choose the course that aligns with your degree focus: China: (3 Credits, CHIN 114) Japan: (3 Credits, JAPN 114)	Major
12	(3 Credits, WRTG 112)	General Education: Communication
13	(3 Credits, ASTD 285)	Major
14	(3 Credits, HUMN 100)	General Education: Arts & Humanities
15	(4 Credits, BIOL 103)	General Education: Biological & Physical Sciences
16	(3 Credits, BEHS 103)	General Education: Behavioral & Social Sciences
17	(3 Credits, ARTH 334)	General Education: Arts & Humanities
18	3-credit elective course	Elective
19	(3 Credits, ECON 103)	General Education: Behavioral & Social Sciences
20	(3 Credits, PHIL 348)	Major
21	3-credit elective course	Elective
22	3-credit elective course	Elective
23	3-credit elective course	Elective
24	3-credit elective course	Elective
25	(3 Credits, WRTG 391)	General Education: Communication
26	3-credit elective course	Elective
27	3-credit elective course	Elective
28	3-credit elective course	Elective
29	(3 Credits, HIST 480) or (3 Credits, HIST 482)	Major
30	3-credit elective course	Elective
31	3-credit elective course	Elective
32	(3 Credits, ASTD 370) or (3 Credits, JAPN 333)	Major
33	3-credit elective course	Elective
34	3-credit elective course	Elective
35	(3 Credits, ANTH 417)	Major
36	3-credit elective course	Elective
37	3-credit elective course	Elective
38	3-credit elective course	Elective
39	3-credit elective course	Elective
40	(3 Credits, ASTD 485)	Major
41	(1 Credit, CAPL 398A)	Elective

Search Course Catalog

These requirements are for students who enroll in the 2025–2026 academic year. For prior year requirements, visit our catalog archive.

Read the Catalog

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

In addition to the specific course requirements outlined on each bachelor’s degree webpage, UMGC maintains certain requirements for all bachelor’s degrees.

See Degree Requirements

Program Highlights

Develop skills and gain knowledge through coursework that draws from the expertise and experience of our respected faculty.

Sharpen Skills in Research

Advise others based on your understanding, research, and analysis of East Asia.

Strengthen International Relations

Promote and facilitate cooperation between East Asia and the global community.

Expand Leadership Skills

Create a presentation to raise awareness and educate others about East Asia.

Further Graduate Study

Write a research paper about a specific subject using primary source material.

Develop Fluency

Improve your language, integrating interpersonal skills and cultural knowledge.

Gain Hands-On Experience

Apply your knowledge of East Asian diversity, values, and expectations.

Industry Snapshot

This program is designed to help prepare you for careers that require a broad understanding of East Asian history and culture in areas such as translation, teaching, journalism, analysis, and nonprofit field work.