BA in International Studies with Emphasis in East Asian Studies

Degree Program Description

The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies is an individually designed major with a strong multicultural and global focus. The emphasis in East Asian Studies focuses on creating an understanding and awareness of the culture, history, politics, geography and languages of the East Asian countries, with an emphasis in China, Japan or Korea. The program is multidisciplinary, encompassing course work from the departments of Geography, History, Anthropology, Religious Studies, Political Science and Philosophy, as well as in Chinese, Japanese and Korean. The program prepares students for graduate study and careers in academia, teaching, law, business, public policy, humanitarian aid, non-profit organizations, government, and diplomacy. There is an option available for students who wish to obtain Chinese teaching certification.

Major Program Requirements

Refer to the program requirements for the BA in International Studies. Students pursuing the East Asian Studies emphasis will fulfill the Emphasis Area requirements of the major by completing 9 hours of credit related to East Asian Studies, including a 3-credit capstone.

Students are encouraged to begin study of their second language no later than the sophomore year. Students should consult with the International Center about appropriate locations for their study abroad experience. In addition to University, general education, and College of Arts and Science requirements, students must also meet the following major program requirements. All major requirements in the College of Arts and Science must be completed with grades of C- or higher unless otherwise indicated.

Semester Plan

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGLSH 10003Math and Quantitative Reasoning3
Second Language Requirement6Second Language Requirement6
Missouri State Law Requirement: Social Science from Arts and Science3GEOG 12003
Behavioral Science from Arts and Science3POL_SC 1400 or 27003
 15 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
I.S. major language requirement3I.S. major language requirement3
ANTHRO 2030 (Arts and Science Diversity Requirement)3Biological or Physical Science Lab3
I.S. major choice core humanities course3First Writing Intensive3
Social Science, 2000+ level3I.S. major choice core course3
Biological, Physical, Mathematical Science3Humanities from Arts and Science3
 15 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
I.S. major choice core course3I.S. major social/behavioral course3
Behavioral Science, 2000+ level3I.S. major regional/cultural humanities course3
I.S. major social/behavioral course3I.S. major, 3000+ Writing Intensive3
Humanities, 2000+ level3Social Science3
Biological, Physical, or Mathematical Science3Second Major, Minor, Certificate, or Elective3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
I.S. major regional/cultural humanities course3I.S. major emphasis area course3
I.S. major emphasis area course3Humanities3
I.S. major emphasis area course 4000+ level3Second Major, Minor, Certificate, or Elective3
Humanities3Second Major, Minor, Certificate, or Elective3
Second Major, Minor, Certificate, or Elective3Second Major, Minor, Certificate, or Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits: 120

Degree Audit

The degree audit is an automated report reflecting a student’s academic progress toward the completion of a degree. 

MU students can request a degree audit by logging in to myDegreePlanner. Students may also access myDegreePlanner via myZou, in the Student Center, click on the Academic Progress Tile, then select Request Degree Audit. The audit automatically pulls in the student’s MU course work, transfer courses and courses in progress. This is available to current students, admitted students, and those who last attended less than three terms ago.

Past MU students can request a degree audit by contacting the Academic Advising Unit of the division in which they were last enrolled at MU. For contact information, go to https://advising.missouri.edu/contact/.

Prospective students, can access a preliminary MU degree audit via https://www.transferology.com. Information on the college credits already earned will have to be manually entered before it can be evaluated against current degree requirements.

For additional details on degree audits, go to https://registrar.missouri.edu/degrees-audits/degree-audits/.

Major and Career Exploration

The University of Missouri has many resources to assist you in exploring majors and career possibilities. For guidance, visit the Majors and Careers website or view specific resources below.

  • If you are considering a change of major or are exploring multiple majors, schedule an appointment with an advisor in the Discovery Center by calling (573)884-9700 or through MU Connect Discovery Center service in you success network.

  • If you have decided on a major, visit an academic advisor in the School or College that you are interested in to discuss the process of declaring the major

  • If you would like to learn more about your career interests, abilities, values and talents, visit the MU Career Center. No Appointment is necessary to explore career options with one of our staff members.

For additional major and career exploration resources, visit Major & Career Exploration in the catalog.