Asian American Studies Program

At the time of its founding in 1987, the Asian American Studies Program at Cornell University was the first such program in the Ivy League. Today the program has faculty members in the humanities and social sciences in a variety of departments and colleges. With a minor in Asian American studies, you’ll examine the histories and experiences, identities, social and community formations, politics and contemporary concerns of people of Asian ancestry in the U.S. and other parts of the Americas.

“The AAS minor has provided me with an academic framework to better grapple with my own Desi identity. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to learn about the rich history of Asian Americans in the U.S., racial solidarity, and grassroot resistance against colonial power structures. I know that the perspectives and concepts I have come across in my Asian American studies classes will continue to inform how I see and interact with the world around me.”

— Alyssa Kamath ‘23