Foreign Area Studies - East Asia Major Standardization v1.0 Foreign Area Studies: East Asia Major As a Foreign Area Studies – East Asia major at West Point, you will develop deep expertise in East Asian history, politics, geography, and language while preparing to lead Soldiers in one of the world’s most consequential regions. Through immersive study and interdisciplinary analysis, you will apply regional insight directly to commissioned service.Apply to the academyConnect with our admissions team Breadcrumb foreign area studies east asia major standardization v10 academics-sidebarnav MENU Academic Program Majors & Minors Annual Theme Enrichment Opportunities Internships Military Immersion & Exchange Scholars Program Service Academy Exchange Program Departments Overview Program Enrichment Foreign Area Studies – East Asia at West PointUnderstand the region. Lead with insight.The Foreign Area Studies – East Asia major equips cadets to analyze the historical, political, geographic, and cultural forces shaping East Asia today. Through structured interdisciplinary coursework and integrated Chinese language study, cadets gain the analytical precision and cross-cultural competence required of Army officers operating in multinational environments.This is focused regional scholarship designed for leadership in service to the Nation.Quick FactsDegree Type: BSDepartment: English and World LanguagesProgram Length: 4 yearsChinese Language Integrated into the MajorSemester Abroad and Summer Immersion OpportunitiesWhy This Major MattersEast Asia influences global trade, military modernization, technological development, and alliance structures. Officers must understand not only language, but also geography, political institutions, and historical narratives that shape regional decision-making.At West Point, cadets connect these disciplines into a coherent understanding of how regional dynamics influence military planning and coalition operations. Graduates leave prepared to interpret developments, advise leaders, and operate effectively alongside partners.Core Themes & Focus AreasGeography of Asia and regional systemsChinese history from empire to modern stateComparative political institutionsPolitics and government of ChinaRegional security and military affairsAdvanced Chinese language applicationCadet Perspective“Studying East Asia at West Point strengthened my ability to connect history, politics, and geography to real decisions. It prepared me to lead with cultural awareness and disciplined analysis." - USMCA cadetThe West Point AdvantageWest Point integrates regional scholarship with officer development in a way few institutions can replicate. Cadets study East Asia within the context of service, responsibility, and leadership.Interdisciplinary StructureCourses in geography, history, political science, and language are deliberately connected.Cadets learn to analyze regional issues across disciplines rather than in isolation.Faculty MentorshipSmall classes allow sustained dialogue and direct mentorship.Faculty guide research, immersion opportunities, and commissioning preparation.Immersion and ExchangeCadets compete for semester study through the Military Immersion and Exchange Program and short-term immersion programs in East Asia.These experiences deepen language proficiency and firsthand cultural understanding.Leadership IntegrationSeminars require structured briefings, written analysis, and debate.Cadets refine their ability to present complex regional topics clearly and professionally.The Journey Continues: Leadership Across a CareerService first. Leadership that endures.Commissioning PathwaysGraduates commission into Army branches where regional knowledge strengthens operational planning, multinational coordination, and strategic awareness.BranchDescriptionMilitary IntelligenceAnalyze regional developments and foreign sources to inform commanders.Signal CorpsSupport multinational communications and coalition operations.Cyber CorpsApply regional understanding to the information domain.AviationSupport joint and multinational missions across the Indo Pacific.Infantry and ArmorLead Soldiers in complex environments shaped by regional dynamics.Field Artillery and Air Defense ArtilleryIntegrate regional awareness into operational planning.Foreign Area Officer PathwayAfter initial branch service, officers may compete for regional specialization focused on East Asia.Learn how commissioning worksPost-Graduate OpportunitiesEast Asia majors are competitive for nationally recognized scholarships and Army-funded graduate education.Graduate ScholarshipsRhodes, Marshall, and other competitive awards.Army Funded Graduate EducationMaster’s programs in international relations, public policy, and regional studies.Strategic FellowshipsAssignments with combatant commands, research centers, and interagency institutions.Explore scholarships and graduate opportunitiesWhat Foreign Area Studies - East Asia Officers Do: Across a CareerEarly Career: Lead Soldiers and SystemsNewly commissioned officers begin by leading soldiers and managing mission execution. Regional knowledge enhances communication, planning, and situational awareness in both training and deployed environments.Mid-Career: Command, Specialize, and AdviseAs officers advance, they assume greater responsibility through company command, staff assignments, and deployments involving coalition partners. Some pursue advanced schooling or selection as Foreign Area Officers focused on East Asia.Senior Career: Shape Strategy and CapabilityAt senior levels, officers contribute to operational planning, joint assignments, and policy development. They help shape how the Army understands regional developments and prepares for future challenges.Beyond Initial Service: A Foundation That TransferThe analytical discipline, cultural competence, and leadership skills developed through this major remain valuable throughout a career of service and beyond.Questions Prospective Cadets AskClear answers to help you decide and take the next step.Do I need prior Chinese experience?No. The major supports cadets beginning Chinese as well as those with previous study. Courses build proficiency step by step while integrating regional content.Will this major limit my branch options?No. Graduates commission into a wide range of branches. Regional expertise enhances performance across the Army.What makes this program different from similar university programs?Here, interdisciplinary regional study is integrated with officer development. Cadets connect academic insight directly to commissioned responsibility.Is research required?Yes. Cadets complete an integrative experience such as a capstone or approved research project under faculty guidance.How early can I pursue immersion opportunities?Cadets may compete beginning in their second year for semester exchanges, spring immersions, and summer AIAD placements.Can I add a minor?Many cadets pursue complementary minors such as International Affairs or Defense and Strategic Studies. Advisors help align academic choices with commissioning requirements.What does it cost?West Point provides a fully funded education in exchange for service as an Army officer after graduation.Ready to Lead? Start Your Journey at West PointApply today to pursue an Foreign Area Studies - East Asis major while gaining world-class leadership training, a fully funded education, and a career-launching experience. Admission is competitive, but this major is open to all cadets who meet USMA’s academic, physical, and leadership standards.Key Deadlines:Feb. 15 – Application & Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) openApril 15 – SLE application closesFall (Senior Year) – Nomination applications dueJan. 31 (Senior Year) – Candidate Checklist deadlineView full admissions requirementsTake the First StepStarting the application does not commit you to a major. It opens the door to guidance, advising, and a clearer picture of your path forward.Begin your journey in STEM at West PointGet answers to your questionsDiscover West Point for yourselfResources for Current CadetsDepartment of English & World Languages HomepagePrimary hub for courses, faculty, research areas, and announcements.Major Curriculum & Sample Course PlansHelps cadets visualize workload, sequencing, and honors options.Contact Foreign Area Studies – East Asia Major AdvisorDirect link to schedule a meeting with a faculty advisor or major director. What You’ll StudyYou will examine East Asia through geography, history, politics, and language. The curriculum progresses from foundational regional knowledge to advanced analysis of institutions, security dynamics, and international relationships.How the Curriculum Builds ExpertiseFoundationsDevelop context through geography, history, and political institutions.Advanced ApplicationStrengthen Chinese language proficiency and analyze primary sources and policy debates.IntegrationApply regional knowledge in structured research and professional presentations.Course HighlightsCourseWhat You'll LearnGE342 – Geography of AsiaAnalyze how terrain and demographics influence regional security planning.HI337 – China: Empire, Republic, and MaoExamine historical developments shaping modern governance.SS366 – Comparative PoliticsStudy institutional structures to interpret political behavior.SS372 – Politics and Government of ChinaEvaluate contemporary political systems and policy decisions.LC475 – Chinese Reading and Writing Through MediaInterpret authentic media and public discourse.LC476 – Military Speaking and Reading in ChineseDevelop functional language skills for professional contexts.HI347 – Asian Warfare and PoliticsAnalyze regional conflicts and their strategic implications.WS455 – Comparative Defense PolicyAssess how states organize and employ military power.Year-by-Year SnapshotThis progression builds foundational regional knowledge first, advances to applied political and cultural analysis, and culminates in integrative research and leadership-focused application.First Year – Regional FoundationsBegin core coursework in global cultures and introductory Chinese language study.Develop a baseline understanding of East Asian geography, history, and cultural context within the international system.Second Year – Political and Historical DepthStudy Chinese history and comparative politics while strengthening language proficiency.Build analytical reading and structured writing skills essential for interpreting regional institutions and governance.Third Year – Applied Regional AnalysisAdvance in Chinese language electives and regionally focused coursework.Examine security dynamics, diplomacy, and military affairs in East Asia through interdisciplinary study.Senior Year – Integration and Strategic ApplicationComplete advanced electives and an integrative experience that connects geography, politics, history, and language.Refine your ability to brief complex regional topics and produce professional written analysis.Capstone / Thesis / Culminating ExperienceComplete an integrative experience such as the Chinese Language and Culture Capstone, Military Geography, or State Building. This requirement challenges you to synthesize interdisciplinary knowledge in a sustained research or policy-focused project.Analyze a regional issue, evaluate competing perspectives, and present findings appropriate for professional and military audiences. The culminating experience demonstrates intellectual maturity and readiness to apply East Asia expertise in commissioned service.View the full DEWL curriculum in the USMA Red BookFaculty & MentorshipThe program is led by scholar practitioners with regional experience and a strong commitment to cadet development.Small classes foster sustained dialogue and direct mentorship. Faculty advise cadets on immersion programs, research projects, and commissioning preparation.Cadets have presented research at regional conferences and completed semester study in East Asia under faculty guidance.View full faculty directoryExpand Your ExpertiseCustomize your academic path through focused electives, an honors track, and complementary minors. Language labs, immersion programs, and research centers support deeper specialization.Honors TrackComplete additional coursework and a senior thesis under faculty supervision.Pair With a MinorComplementary MinorOpportunityInternational AffairsDeepen your understanding of global systems, diplomacy, and security policy.Strengthen preparation for strategic, interagency, and multinational roles involving African partners.Defense and Strategic StudiesConnect regional knowledge to operational art and military planning.Enhance your ability to interpret security developments and defense cooperation across East Africa.Terrorism StudiesAnalyze irregular threats, extremist networks, and counterterrorism challenges within regional and global contexts.Develop insight into instability and security cooperation missions.Cyber ScienceStrengthen understanding of the information domain, including digital influence, cyber operations, and information security in developing regions.EconomicsStudy trade, development, and economic statecraft as tools of national power.Build insight into economic drivers shaping governance and stability.Systems EngineeringBuild structured problem-solving skills useful in complex operational environments.Apply analytical frameworks to regional planning and multinational coordination.Ready to Lead? Start Your Journey at West PointApply today to pursue an Foreign Area Studies - East Asis major while gaining world-class leadership training, a fully funded education, and a career-launching experience. Admission is competitive, but this major is open to all cadets who meet USMA’s academic, physical, and leadership standards.Key Deadlines:Feb. 15 – Application & Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) openApril 15 – SLE application closesFall (Senior Year) – Nomination applications dueJan. 31 (Senior Year) – Candidate Checklist deadlineView full admissions requirementsTake the First StepStarting the application does not commit you to a major. It opens the door to guidance, advising, and a clearer picture of your path forward.Begin your journey in STEM at West PointGet answers to your questionsDiscover West Point for yourselfResources for Current CadetsDepartment of English & World Languages HomepagePrimary hub for courses, faculty, research areas, and announcements.Major Curriculum & Sample Course PlansHelps cadets visualize workload, sequencing, and honors options.Contact Foreign Area Studies – East Asia Major AdvisorDirect link to schedule a meeting with a faculty advisor or major director. Experience East Asia in Action at West PointCadets move beyond the classroom through immersive programs and applied research tied to Army needs.ExperienceWhat You'll Do / Why It MattersInternshipsSemester study in Taiwan through the Military Immersion and Exchange Program and summer AIAD placements in East Asia.ResearchFaculty-mentored projects analyzing regional security and governance using Chinese language sources.LeadershipCadets lead discussions, organize cultural events, and deliver structured briefings.Interdisciplinary CollaborationCoursework with history, law, political science, and cyber programs reflects real operational integration.Explore cadet researchCadet Life in This MajorDepartment CommunityLanguage clubs, guest lectures, and cultural events build shared purpose.Professional AssociationsParticipation in Phi Sigma Iota and related honor societies.Conferences and ImmersionResearch presentations and semester exchanges transform scholarship into lived experience.Explore more cadet experiencesReady to Lead? Start Your Journey at West PointApply today to pursue an Foreign Area Studies - East Asis major while gaining world-class leadership training, a fully funded education, and a career-launching experience. Admission is competitive, but this major is open to all cadets who meet USMA’s academic, physical, and leadership standards.Key Deadlines:Feb. 15 – Application & Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) openApril 15 – SLE application closesFall (Senior Year) – Nomination applications dueJan. 31 (Senior Year) – Candidate Checklist deadlineView full admissions requirementsTake the First StepStarting the application does not commit you to a major. It opens the door to guidance, advising, and a clearer picture of your path forward.Begin your journey in STEM at West PointGet answers to your questionsDiscover West Point for yourselfResources for Current CadetsDepartment of English & World Languages HomepagePrimary hub for courses, faculty, research areas, and announcements.Major Curriculum & Sample Course PlansHelps cadets visualize workload, sequencing, and honors options.Contact Foreign Area Studies – East Asia Major AdvisorDirect link to schedule a meeting with a faculty advisor or major director.