Asian & Pacific Islander American Studies

Through faculty-student activism and collaboration, Asian & Pacific Islander American Studies (APIA) was established at William & Mary in 2016 to expand the scholarly research and study of the histories, cultures, experiences, laws and policies relevant to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. In 2019, the program began formally offering the APIA major and minor, ten years after graduating its first major through the self-designed interdisciplinary studies major in APIA.

Our courses include Peoples & Cultures of Polynesia; Immigration, Assimilation and Ethnicity; Filipino American Diaspora Studies; Asian American Film & Literature, and Islamophobia. They reflect the diversity and expanse of the Asian & Pacific Islander American community, now the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population.

By completing a degree in APIA or taking any of our courses, you will graduate with the research, interpretive, creative and collaborative skills that are crucial to success in any field. APIA faculty will work closely with you so that your academic studies support your career aspirations. Our alumni include writers, teachers, civic leaders, investment bankers, and lawyers. They are actors in Hollywood productions and visionary leaders in education.

Students interested in the APIA minor or major will please contact our APIA faculty or the program director Professor [[dssoho, Deenesh Sohoni]] .