University of Wisconsin–Madison
The Asian American Studies Program is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on the scholarship and experiences of Americans, Pacific Islanders, and immigrants to the United States from Asian and Asian American heritage groups. The program sheds light on Asian American experiences and concerns, both historically and in contemporary times.
The program offers a certificate in Asian American Studies, and a HMoob American Studies emphasis. Throughout the academic year the program fosters community through gatherings, speaking events, study breaks and more.
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Student sits in a lecture.

Declare a Certificate in Asian American Studies

With 12 credit hours, students will develop a sustained intellectual focus on Asian American racial formation, history, literature, culture, and social concerns. Students have the opportunity to emphasize in HMoob American Studies.

Asian American Studies archival photograph.

History

In 1988, PAWA members Wendy Ho and Peggy Choy submitted a proposal for the creation of an Asian American Studies Program to then Chancellor Donna Shalala. Submitted under the name “Asian Coalition”, an alliance of Asian American faculty, staff, students, the Asian American Student Union, and community members, the proposal demanded that the university commit resources for the serious scholarly inquiry of Asian American experiences. The coalition demanded the establishment of an Asian American Studies Program within the College of Letters and Sciences.

Birds-eye view of newsletters spread across a table.

Bridges, a newsletter.

Created by faculty, staff, and students within the Asian American Studies program at UW-Madison, this newsletter explores recent developments in the field of Asian American studies.

Students pose in front of a camera, smiling.

Become a Student Ambassador:

The Asian American Studies Ambassadors promote the positive and inclusive experiences of students during their time in the program. If you love sharing your enthusiasm and experiences, consider applying.

Students, faculty, and parents gather for the Asian American Studies and APIDA graduation in May 2026.

Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Student Center

Focused on the experiences of APIDA students, this center hosts academic, professional, and social programs throughout the year to enhance the student experience, support student success, and foster a sense of belonging.

Events

News

New Book Releases from AASP Faculty

We’re thrilled to announce that two of our esteemed faculty members in the Asian American Studies Program are releasing new books this month! See below for the book features and stay tuned for upcoming events and book talks—Congratulations, Dr. Kong Pha and Dr. Rachel Kuo!   We Are Each Other’s Liberation: Black & Asian Feminist Solidarities  Edited by…

Dr. Peggy Choi directs students in her hip-hop dance course.

Topics

The Asian American Studies program offers courses on the impact of colonialism, war, capitalism, Hmong American culture, literatures, and beyond.

Dr. Lori Lopez lectures to a group of students, standing in front of a blackboard.

Academic Advising

Receive guidance on your plan of study, find career support, mentorship, and more through individual meetings with our academic advisor.

Dr. Victor Jew smiles to camera in front of green shub.

People

In addition to Asian American Studies, our award-winning faculty specialize in topics of English, History, Dance, Hmong American Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies, Communication Arts, and Anthropology.

Connect with us.

Find the Asian American Studies program on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest news and events for students and community members.