The Hmong Diaspora Studies certificate program provides students with a multidisciplinary perspective on Hmong history, culture, and contemporary life.

Wisconsin and the upper Midwest are home to large concentrations of Hmong Americans , making this area of study particularly relevant to UWM students. Political unrest and international wars forced many Hmong from Laos to leave their native land during the last quarter of the twentieth century and seek refuge in foreign nations. Hmong populations can now be found throughout the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Each area has its own distinct social, cultural, economic, and political conditions.

The certificate program includes courses about Hmong history, language, and culture, as well as classes that discuss the societal differences encountered by Hmong people. The certificate complements many different types of majors and is valuable for individuals who intend to work with the Hmong population in careers such as social work, education, public administration, law, journalism, international affairs, travel and hospitality, and global business.

UWM students have in recent years traveled to Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam to complement their classroom experience with a study abroad trip.

Download our fact sheet to the right to learn more about this certificate.