South Asian Studies
South Asian Studies at Penn State brings together faculty with expertise in the diverse sociocultural, religious, and political histories and contemporary practices of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal. Our faculty specialize in the regional and transnational study of colonialism, religion, literary cultures, women and gender, science, technology, and medicine, rural and urban communities, art and architecture, water geographies, neoliberalism, and modernization, among others.
Degree Types: Minor
Explore Interests Related to South Asian Studies
Explores Asian cultures, languages, and histories. Equips students to engage in cross-cultural dialogue, advocate for policies promoting cultural understanding, and contribute to justice initiatives involving Asian communities.
Examines the history, culture, and politics of South Asia. Prepares students to engage in global diplomatic efforts, contribute to cross-cultural research, and foster cultural understanding through Asian-centered media and international discourse.
Degree Options
Popular Double Majors or Minors
- Asian Studies
- Chinese
- Japanese
- Korean
About the Program
Why should I pursue this degree?
You might like this program if…
- You are interested in the languages, cultures, histories, or societies of South Asia.
- You are curious about other parts of the world.
- You want to think contextually about cultures, historical trends, social change, and political structures.
- You want to understand the history of the world as a group of systems and as a single system.
Transferable Skills
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail and Organizational Skills
- Research and Analytical Skills
- Adaptability and Teamwork
Coursework
Opportunities to explore the following topics:
- History of South Asia up to c. 1500
- Art and Architecture of South and Southeast Asia
- Bollywood: Seeing South Asia through Cinema
- Hindi Language
Out-of-Classroom Experiences
Education Abroad Destinations
Bhutan
Nepal
Career Paths
Continuing Education
- Law school
- Graduate school to study history or South Asian language and culture
Industries
Business, Diplomacy, Education, Entertainment, Higher Education, Human Resources and Recruiting, Information Technology
Employers
- Boeing
- U.S. Navy
- Bank of America
- Universities
- Peace Corps
- U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission
- U.S. Department of Treasury
- JPMorgan Chase & Co.
- Brookings Institute
Have questions about this program?
Future students, contact the Liberal Arts Recruitment Team.
Current students, contact your academic adviser.
This program is housed
in the Department of Asian Studies
at Penn State University Park.