Eligibility
Asian Pacific American Studies (APAS) is the examination of the experiences, histories, cultures, and contemporary status of people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent living in the United States. As such, this certificate program does not focus on the study of Asia or the Pacific Islands per se. This is the only certificate program of its kind offered by the Arizona universities. It is designed for ASU undergraduates in:

• Any major seeking an additional area of specialization
• Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies seeking a certificate program
   for their degree.

Application Process
Anyone interested in earning the certificate must formally apply at the Asian Pacific American Studies Program office. This certificate is available to all ASU undergraduate students, irrespective of their majors. Students may begin taking courses before they formally register for the certificate; however, they should apply for admission as soon as possible.

Curriculum
The certificate requires 18 credit hours, a minimum of 12 must be upper division. The philosophy behind the certificate curriculum is driven by a belief that students with this certificate should understand the basic social and political issues facing Asian Pacific Americans. In order to gain this understanding, students will be exposed to the background and contemporary issues facing a range of Asian Pacific American communities, as well as the dynamics of pan-Asian Pacific American community politics. Students who earn the certificate should understand Asian Pacific American communities and politics.

This area of knowledge should serve them well in many areas of employment, in both public and private sectors. Students in the certificate program will begin a community-oriented project in the introductory course and complete the project in the senior capstone course. This project will give them a finished portfolio at the completion of the certificate.

Specific Goals of the Certificate Program
The APAS Certificate provides students with:

• Knowledge about specific Asian Pacific American ethnic communities.
• Knowledge about the history and maintenance of the category,
  “Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.”
• An understanding of Asian Pacific American studies as an area of inquiry.
• An understanding of Asian Pacific American community politics,
   dynamics, conflicts.
• An understanding of contemporary social issues facing
   Asian Pacific Americans.
• Practical experience in working on some contemporary social issues
   through a multicourse project that culminates in a portfolio that
   students can use after graduation.
• Practical experience in utilizing course work knowledge in the
   community through an internship or community service project.

Certificate Application
Anyone interested in earning the certificate must make formal application at the Asian Pacific American Studies program office, Social Science, Room 100.

This certificate is available to all ASU undergraduate students, irrespective of their majors. Students may begin taking courses before they formally register for the certificate; however, they should apply to admission as soon as possible.

Certificate Application (pdf format)
Certificate Checklist (pdf format)

For More Information, Contact:
Roisan Rubio
Coordinator/Advisor
Phone (480) 965-9711
E-mail: r2@asu.edu