The Rutgers Armenian Studies Program was founded in 1980 by Albert Wolohojian and his daughter Gabrielle. Dr. Wolohojian was a professor in the Department of French and a specialist in the Armenian versions of medieval French legends, which he translated and situated in the Armenian tradition of the Vitae Sanctorum and the corresponding Syriac, Greek and Latin versions. He taught Western Armenian language classes until his death in 1990. Dr. Asbed Vassilian succeeded him in 1992.
Each year, the program is comprised of students from a variety of backgrounds and with a range of familiarity with Armenian language and culture. Although most students are of Armenian descent, the program also attracts language enthusiasts, aspiring Ottomanists and curious learners of all types.
Rutgers is one of only a handful of universities in the world to offer credit-bearing courses in Western Armenian.