东亚研究计划提供对该地区的跨学科研究，主要侧重于中国和日本的国家。在特别建议下，韩国和蒙古也是学习的对象。西方的东亚研究计划由来自广泛学术部门的教师组成，他们共同努力为教学和研究提供联系。该计划旨在实现三个主要目标。首先，它为学生提供了获得有关该地区在世界事务中日益重要的准确，详细和全面知识的机会。其次，它为在商业，政府或教学方面被东亚相关工作机会吸引的学生做准备。第三，它为计划进入研究生阶段的东亚课程的学生提供扎实的本科培训。
The course of study is designed to attain three major objectives. First, it offers students an opportunity to acquire accurate, detailed and comprehensive knowledge of a region that is becoming increasingly important in world affairs. Second, it prepares students who are attracted by job opportunities related to East Asia in business and government. For those who wish to teach about East Asia, the Program provides appropriate preparation. Third, it provides solid undergraduate training for students who plan to enter East Asian programs in their graduate studies.