East Asian Studies Certificate

The University of Maryland’s Undergraduate Certificate in East Asian Studies is a 24-credit program that gives students specialized knowledge of the cultures, histories, languages, and contemporary concerns of China, Japan, and Korea. The certificate complements and enriches any major while providing an entry-level credential for careers and further study related to East Asia.

Open to undergraduate students in good academic standing, the certificate combines East Asian history, Chinese, Japanese, or Korean language study, and interdisciplinary elective coursework.

Ready to explore the certificate? Contact CEAS Advisor Yuli Wang at ywang26@umd.edu to discuss your academic plan.

Why pursue the certificate?

The East Asian Studies Certificate helps students develop regional knowledge and language experience that can complement a wide range of academic interests and career goals. Students build a stronger understanding of East Asia while adding an academic credential to their UMD degree.

The certificate may be especially valuable for students interested in international and public affairs, business, education, history, media, research, public service, and other East Asia-related fields.

Certificate requirements

Students complete 24 credits: 12 credits of required coursework and 12 credits of approved East Asian Studies electives.

Plan ahead: Approved elective offerings vary by semester. Review the current CEAS course list and meet with the advisor before registering to confirm that a course applies to the certificate.

How to complete the certificate

• Review the certificate requirements and identify the history, language, and elective courses that fit your academic plan.
• Contact CEAS Advisor Yuli Wang at ywang26@umd.edu for guidance on language placement, electives, and certificate planning.
• Use the current CEAS-approved course list each semester when selecting electives.
• Confirm that you will meet the lower-level, upper-level, department/program, and major-overlap requirements before your final semester.

Frequently asked questions

How many credits are required for the East Asian Studies Certificate?

The certificate requires 24 credits: 12 credits of required coursework and 12 credits of approved East Asian Studies electives.

Which history courses are required?

Students complete HIST284: East Asian Civilization I and HIST285: East Asian Civilization II, for a total of 6 credits.

Which language courses can count toward the certificate?

Students complete 6 credits of Chinese, Japanese, or Korean language coursework. The certificate identifies CHIN121/122 or any upper level Chinese courses, JAPN101, or the KORA101 and KORA102 sequence. Contact the CEAS advisor to confirm the appropriate pathway for your language background and placement.

How do I choose elective courses?

Students select 12 elective credits from CEAS-approved course lists that are provided each semester. Of those electives, 3 credits must be at the 100–200 level and 9 credits must be at the 300–400 level.

Can courses for my major also count toward the certificate?

Yes, but no more than 9 credits used for a student’s major may also count toward the East Asian Studies Certificate.

Can all of my certificate courses come from one department?

No. No more than 9 certificate credits may come from the same academic program or department.

Advising and additional information

For help planning the certificate, confirming eligible courses, or discussing how the credential can complement your major, contact: