About Us

The Asian Studies Center is a global resource for research and education about Asia, as well as a regional center for building Asian connections. In partnership with over 100 affiliated faculty from across the university, we develop innovative research, foster community engagement, and create rigorous academic programming. Founded in 1969, the Center is widely recognized as one of the most comprehensive programs in Asian studies, with a focus on regional, transnational, and interdisciplinary scholarship.

Staff

Affiliated Faculty

East Asian Library: Pitt’s East Asian Library houses one of the most prominent collections of Chinese, Japanese and Korean media from books and periodicals, to microfilms, multimedia resources, and online databases.  The library ranks 13th in size among the 80 East Asian libraries in the US and Canada.

 

Populations we serve

We work with Pitt students and faculty members, with K-12 teachers and students, and with the community.

Pitt students

We fulfill the university’s vision of graduating “global citizens” by enabling more than 3,500 graduate and undergraduate students to study Asia-related courses, and to experience student life in Asian countries.  Students may supplement and strengthen their major field of study with a Certificate in Asian Studies.

We also offer scholarships and fellowships to both graduate and undergraduate students.

Pitt faculty

Through faculty grants for research projects and travel to Asia, we continually enhance the university’s curriculum and faculty members’ expertise and knowledge of Asia.

PreK-16 teachers and students

Our extensive outreach programming allow us to expand the cultural understanding and Asian language skills of teachers and students in Western Pennsylvania and beyond.  The Center is home to the award-winning Confucius Institute, which promotes Chinese language and culture study; and is home to the National Consortium for Teaching About Asia, which encourages and facilitates teaching about East Asia in the K-12 curriculum.

Western Pennsylvania community

Broad community-based outreach programming and events encourage the general public and the business community to expand their interest in and knowledge of Asia.