Course Overview!

The Undergraduate Certificate in Cultural Competence for Professionals is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively work with Asian and Asian American individuals, organizations, and companies. The program focuses on enhancing cultural understanding and competency. It is open to students of all majors and covers various aspects of Asian and Asian American cultures, histories, and societies. Students will gain a deeper understanding of cultural nuances and learn how to navigate intercultural interactions in professional settings. The curriculum includes coursework focusing on the historical, cultural, and societal contexts of Asia and Asian America, along with practical applications of cultural competency. This certificate is ideal for students pursuing careers in fields such as social work, healthcare, education, business, or any profession involving interaction with diverse populations.

Course Structure

The program requires 15 units, encompassing both lower and upper-division courses. It includes two required courses: 'Pacific Asian Culture, People, and Society' (AAAS 2000) and 'Cultural Competency for Professionals: Understanding Asia and Asian America' (AAAS 4530). The remaining 9 units comprise elective courses chosen from three sets. Set A includes options such as 'History of Asia' (AAAS 1600/HIST 1600) and 'Asian America: Culture, History, and Community' (AAAS 2100). Set B offers courses like 'Asian Americans, Families, and Community' (AAAS 3730/CHDV 3730) and 'Psychosocial Aspects & Collectivism in Asian and Asian American Societies' (AAAS 4870/COUN 4870). Lastly, Set C includes 'Asian American Communities in Southern California' (AAAS 4150/ANTH 4150) and 'Asia in the Global World' (AAAS 4800). Students must select one course from each of these three sets.