• <a href="/live/image/gid/66/width/650/86408_shibuya-crossing-923000_1920.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image86408"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/66/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86408_shibuya-crossing-923000_1920.rev.1607471269.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/66/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86408_shibuya-crossing-923000_1920.rev.1607471269.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/66/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86408_shibuya-crossing-923000_1920.rev.1607471269.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/66/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86408_shibuya-crossing-923000_1920.rev.1607471269.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/66/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86408_shibuya-crossing-923000_1920.rev.1607471269.jpg 2x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/66/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86408_shibuya-crossing-923000_1920.rev.1607471269.jpg" alt="Shibuya Crossing" width="720" height="690" data-max-w="1920" data-max-h="1280" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-split_image_caption collapsable-caption"> Shibuya Crossing</div>
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Why Choose a Degree in Asian Studies?

Combining language study, overseas experience, and coursework, we provide you with an exciting and rigorous way to study the history and contemporary issues of Asia. Our connection with Portland has its perks too: local resources include the Asian collections at the Portland Art Museum, the Japanese Garden, Lan Su Chinese Garden, and the annual International Film Festival.

What You’ll Study

The Asian studies curriculum examines the political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, and religious characteristics of the various societies in the region. Classes may focus on themes in one country, or explore a theme in several countries. Themes include literature, the arts, environmental studies, gender identities, ethnic and national identities, and social movements. Our program highlights the dynamic, interrelated, and sometimes contentious exchanges among the area’s cultures, politics, and economies.

Many of our students earn course credit on language-intensive and regional area study overseas programs. In addition to general cultural programs that are open to all students, there are programs designed specifically for Asian studies in China, India, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan.

Outside the classroom, Asian studies students attend faculty and guest talks—some recent examples include “Animism, Animators, and Anime,” “Homosexuality and National Security in South Korea,” and “Music, Bollywood, and Migrations: Songs of South Indian Solidarity With Latinidad”—film screenings with faculty-led introductions and discussions, and dance and music performances at Lewis & Clark, at nearby institutions, and in the Portland community.

Curriculum

Complement Your Education With One of These Minors

The most popular minors for our Asian studies majors are Chinese, Japanese, and religious studies.


What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark

  • Lewis & Clark has changed me in a lot of ways. I am passionate about what I am learning and the professors have made me a more inquisitive and curious person.

    Kenzie Wingard BA ’21
    Biology | Missoula, Montana
    More about Kenzie
  • I think all of the classes I’ve taken so far expanded my knowledge as a student. I have taken a lot of Chinese classes with Instructor Liu Meiru. She is a very knowledgeable and cheerful person. She makes learning Chinese fun.

    Htoo Ray Wah BA ’23
    Asian Studies | Chinese | Portland, Oregon
    More about Htoo
  • The liberal arts promote being well rounded in a variety of subjects and thinking critically about the world.

    Alys Chang BA ’22
    Political Science | Sunnyvale, California
    More about Alys

What Can You Do With a Degree in Asian Studies?

Our alumni use their BA in Asian studies in careers in dozens of fields. Among them are school teachers, artists, college professors, acupuncturists, lawyers, doctors, employees of international companies around the world, gallery curators, and the assistant director of admissions at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center in China.

Dedicated Faculty

Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth.

Meet the Professors

  • Value 

    Lewis & Clark is on U.S. News & World Report’s 2023–24 “Best Value Schools” list.

  • 1 of 7 

    L&C is one of seven Oregon schools to make the national Colleges of Distinction list in 2023–24.

  • 10% 

    of our students are from countries other than the U.S.

  • 15% 

    first-generation students at Lewis & Clark College

  • 2,188 

    As of fall 2022, there are 2,188 degree-seeking students enrolled at Lewis & Clark College.

Invest in Yourself

A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think. Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate in four years with their bachelor of arts degree that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition.

Find Your People

Our student-led Chinese Club gives members the chance to practice and deepen their understanding of Chinese language through regular meetups, and organizes events (including the annual Chinese New Year celebration!) for the whole campus community to learn more about Chinese culture and history.


  • The passion I gained for learning at L&C translated extremely well into finding a niche subject in grad school. L&C opened a up a path for me I never knew I could take.

    Kaitlin Hall BA ’19
    Psychology | Asian Studies, Religious Studies | San Diego, California
    More about Kaitlin
  • L&C offered undergraduate level classes teaching about law in an accessible manner, which I am grateful for as it helped me realize my interest in law.

    Julia Neely BA ’21
    Religious Studies | Asian Studies | Birmingham, Alabama
    More about Julia
  • I strongly believe that the work I did here prepared me for law school, particularly because the L&C professors gave such great feedback.

    Jillian Jin BA ’21
    Sociology and Anthropology | Renton, Washington
    More about Jillian

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