As students prepare to declare a major, their academic interests and topics of study, the level of support and departmental study environment, professional development prospects, internship and immersion opportunities and the financial support available are all important considerations which determine the decision around the topic of Major. 

Here, we present information on the SAST Major and Minor, and the way in which study in the department can support students to flourish and do well in college, while preparing for life beyond graduation.

To learn more about the program and the department, contact the Undergraduate Chair, Professor Ketaki Jaywant, or visit the department at 820 Williams Hall.

Why Study South Asia

The study of South Asia covers several countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bhutan.  Collectively, these nations make up more than 1/6th of the globe's population.  It is a place of one of the world's oldest civilizations and also, currently, one of the most vibrant and important centers of global culture, from an economic, political and social point of view.  It's a region that is becoming increasingly prominent and will generate opportunities and careers world over.

The Department with its extensive range of courses, offers students a broad liberal arts education. Students are encouraged to develop their intellectual curiosity and pursue their academic interests. They are guaranteed to develop important life skills including critical thinking, analysis and reasoning, and discussion and communication skills. Prospective students do not need any previous knowledge of the region, the subject, or its languages. We look for a willingness to learn and to engage intellectually with the course content. The classroom instruction and written assignments are in English. Our classes are small with low teacher-student ratios, which allow for full student participation and interaction. Equally, our faculty members are easy to access, and support students in their studies.

Majoring and Career Prospects

Majoring, double majoring and minoring in the department can help improve career prospects. Having a deep knowledge of a region and its key languages, in an increasingly competitive global job market, gives graduates a competitive edge over others with more generic skills. For this reason, declaring a Major in a topic that will lead to a job or to Graduate School studies is essential and improves the chances of post -graduation success.

Those students who want to develop a career with an international aspect, they can pick from nine South Asian languages from beginners, intermediate and advanced level; and instruction is tailored to meet the students’ individual needs.  

A majority of our students choose to double major in the department. Possessing two majors’ topics may help broaden the number of professions students can enter. The topics if Majors do not necessarily need to have be closely linked – the SAST courses are mainly in the humanities and can complement other types of study fields. The requirements for the major and double major, are the same.

Our alumni have been able to leverage the course offerings from the department — both at home and abroad— and entered exciting and high-flying careers in sectors as diverse as medicine and care, policy-making and diplomatic services, academia and research, and investment banking and international marketing.