Asian Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Salaries for Asian Studies graduates vary by role and location. Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $84,290 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $113,070 compared to $61,920 in Florida. Approximately 11,430 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Currently 105 accredited institutions offer Asian Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Florida International University (FIU) (49 graduates), University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) (49 graduates), and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (39 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 1,242 in 2010 to a peak of 995 in 2020, before declining slightly to 705 in 2023-24. This represents a 43% decrease overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

This degree prepares you for roles such as Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 11,430 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.