For many educators, large numbers of graduates are not only a bragging right but a goal. But those involved in the Asian American Studies Program at the University of Massachusetts Boston are quite comfortable producing only one or two graduates annually — despite boasting one of the largest programs of its kind among New England schools.
UMass Boston faculty don’t encourage many students to major in Asian American studies. Instead, students typically delve into Asian topics alongside a major such as nursing, management or criminal justice. Why?
Faculty want students to earn degrees leading directly to careers. Like ethnic studies programs everywhere, a bachelor’s in Asian American studies often leads to graduate school.
“So many of our students are working class, they need to be practical and support their families,” says Dr. Peter Kiang, a professor of education and director of the UMass Boston Asian American Studies Program. “We want our program to complement engineering or accounting or any other career.”
Adds Dr. Elora Chowdhury, assistant professor of women’s studies: “That vision holds everyone on faculty together.”
In 2006, more than half of all 12,000 UMass Boston students were first-generation college-goers, and 63 percent had transferred from elsewhere. More than half the undergraduates were older than 22.
Typically, students juggled classes alongside family obligations and at least one job. Asian Americans were no exception at the urban, commuter UMass Boston.
Consequently, Chowdhury, Kiang and 27 other faculty touch as many students as possible through the 27 Asian American courses. The program’s size and scope rival those of some West Coast universities. Non-Asians make up more than 20 percent of students taking classes in UMass Boston’s program. Courses are as varied as “Asian American Psychology,” “Indian Cinema” and “Asian American Politics and Social Movements.”
