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Jan 03, 2026
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2025-2026 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog
Asian Studies Certificate
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U.S. and international students from any department may earn the Certificate in Asian Studies. The certificate combines language training and multidisciplinary area studies to foster communicative and cultural competence. Students pursuing the certificate wish to intensify their study of Asia, either because they would like to be able to use their knowledge of that critical part of the world in their careers after graduation, or because they recognize the importance of an understanding of Asian history, language, and culture for all well-informed people.
University of Pittsburgh
University Center for International Studies
Asian Studies Center
Jessica Sun, Undergraduate & Graduate Advisor and Assistant Director for Academic Affairs
4109 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Phone: 412-648-7370
jhs141@pitt.edu
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Language Proficiency
Students must demonstrate language proficiency in an Asian language equivalent to two years of a college language or higher. This can be demonstrated through language courses at Pitt, the student’s undergraduate transcript, transcripts from other reputable language programs, or language proficiency examination.
Content Courses
Students must complete four courses with significant Asian Studies content. At least one of these courses must be taken in a discipline outside the student’s major.
Students exempt from the language requirement because of previous coursework or heritage language skills may use language course credits towards the requirement for additional work beyond the graduate degree. Students may contextualize non-credit-bearing internships required in various graduate degree programs as credit-bearing experiences for UCIS certificate programs. Prior approval must be received from the academic advisor to pursue these options.
Students who are exempt from the language requirement because of previous coursework or heritage language skills may use third-year or above (i.e., grammar, conversation, etc.) courses taught in the target language towards the content course requirements. Additionally, introductory courses in a second or third language (with a clear and stated relevance to their research or professional goals) will count.
Research Paper, Presentation, or Project
Students must submit a significant research paper, project, or presentation to represent their work in Asian area studies. Papers must demonstrate engagement with issues, regional concerns, and/ or languages of Asia. Students should consult with the advisor for Asian Studies about questions regarding the research paper, presentation, or project.
Alternatively, students may prepare a digital portfolio detailing courses and co-curricular experiences related to Asian studies and offering reflections on developing specific competencies associated with a detailed rubric.
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