East Asian Studies

Are you fascinated by East Asia, its rich history, culture, people and past civilizations? Majoring in East Asian Studies will expose you to one of the most socially and economically vibrant, diverse and dynamic regions of the world. Offered in a variety of degree options, assuming a demonstrated competence of an East Asian language (excluding minor option), core courses are focused on the study of contemporary and past Chinese, Japanese and Korean societies and their cultural and sociopolitical heritage. You can further expand your familiarity of the region by participating in an exchange in China, South Korea or Japan at one of the many universities York collaborates with in the region.

Career Options in East Asian Studies

This list is not exhaustive but it provides a solid idea of what fellow graduates have gone on to do and what potential careers an East Asian Studies degree can offer. Some options are more directly associated with specific areas of East Asian Studies than others.

  • Activist
  • Ambassador
  • Author
  • Charity Coordinator
  • Community Center Director
  • Community Developer
  • Corporate Recruiter/Trainer
  • Diplomat
  • Entrepreneur
  • Economist
  • Entrepreneur
  • Event Planner
  • Foreign Service Worker
  • Historian
  • Human Rights Advocate
  • Immigration Officer
  • Interpreter
  • Journalist
  • Lawyer
  • Legal Aide
  • Lobbyist
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Media Correspondent
  • Museum Curator
  • Non-Profit Administrator
  • Political Consultant
  • PPublic Policy Advisor
  • Public Relations Representative
  • Publisher
  • Researcher
  • Social Service Worker
  • Social Worker
  • Speech Writer
  • Teacher
  • Translator

Some of these career choices may require additional education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential education or professional formative courses and exams. For a more in-depth description of some of the careers mentioned above visit Career Cruising (login information can be found on the home page of the Career Centre's online system) or the National Occupational Classification website.