Graduate School Bulletin

Admission to the M.A. Program in Contemporary Asian Studies

Applicants for admission to the Master’s program are expected to hold a Bachelor’s degree (in any field) and have basic proficiency (two years of formal study or equivalent) in at least one Asian language.  Applicants are required to submit the following materials:

• Undergraduate transcript
• Statement of purpose (500-1000 words)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official report of TOEFL scores (for international applicants from non-English speaking countries)

The Asian language requirement may be met in the following ways:

A. Equivalent course-work: Students who have completed at least two years (12 credits) of college-level course-work in an Asian language will be deemed to have met the language eligibility requirement.

B. Individualized Plan: Students who do not meet the language eligibility requirement through previous course-work must, upon entering the program, consult with the Graduate Director to develop an individualized plan to establish basic Asian language proficiency through one of the following four options:

1. By passing a Challenge Exam in an Asian Language
2. By passing another examination approved by the Graduate Director.
3. By completing Asian Language Coursework after admission (NB: Such course credits are remedial, however, and as such will NOT count toward completion of the M.A. degree)
4. By participating in a semester-long or year-long academic Study Abroad program in an Asian country

C. Special Reading Courses (reading course credits will NOT count toward completion of the M.A. degree)