China & Asia-Pacific Studies

The Brittany and Adam J. Levinson Program in China and Asia–Pacific Studies (CAPS) offers a unique and rigorous curriculum in the study of contemporary China, through a set of courses on China’s language, history, politics, economy, society, and international relations, and by providing students with experiential learning opportunities, including one required semester in Beijing and one optional semester in Washington, D.C. Designed as an interdisciplinary program to train future leaders in various domains of U.S.-China relations, the Levinson Program offers both the Major and Minor in China and Asia-Pacific Studies to Cornell undergraduate students. 

More information can be found on the Cornell University Registrar site and through the Levinson Program site.

Requirements

Want to start right away? Here are some basic requirements for students wanting to major in CAPS. Keep in mind this isn’t the complete list of formal requirements — that list can be found on the Courses of Study page.

Note: In addition to the major requirements outlined on the Courses of Study page, all students must meet the college graduation requirements.

There are no prerequisites to the major. Upon enrollment in the program, CAPS majors must complete six required CAPS courses and two elective CAPS courses (total 30-36 credits) with a grade average of C or better. In addition, majors must achieve the 3000-level Chinese language proficiency (see "Chinese Language Courses".) CAPS majors are required to participate in the CAPS study abroad in Beijing, normally in their junior or senior years.

Sample classes

  • China Under Revolution and Reform
  • China's Changing Politics, Economy and Society
  • Chinese Perspectives on Global Affairs
  • U.S.-China Relations

Outcomes

All information below is based on the 2022 First-Destination Post-Graduate Survey. Lists are not exhaustive; rather, they are a sampling of the data. If you would like more information, please email as_careers@cornell.edu

What can you do with a degree in China & Asia-Pacific Studies (CAPS)? 

Graduate school: 

CAPS students pursued various advanced degrees like their MA and MPS. Their graduate field interest ranges from Asian studies to East Asian Studies and Government.

These ambitious individuals have chosen to continue their education at prestigious institutions like Georgetown University, Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of Oxford.

Employment: 

The majority of CAPS graduates entered sectors in government, consulting, education, and financial services.

Where 2022 CAPS Graduates Work

EmployerJob Titles
Evercore PartnersInvestment Banking Analyst
JPMorgan Chase & Co.Private Banking Analyst
Korea Economic InstituteResearch Intern
Shihezi UniversityPrinceton in Asia Fellow
Teach for AmericaTeacher