Current MA Students

The program requires a total of 30 credits, including 8 three-credit courses, a thesis or project/non-thesis (6 credits), and a minimum of third-year proficiency in an Asian language. Students are required to have both a regional or country concentration and a disciplinary concentration for their program, developed in consultation with the program advisor. Regional concentrations currently include East Asia (China, Japan, and Korea) and South Asia (India and Pakistan) and South East Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Pacific Islands).  Disciplinary concentrations can focus on one of the departments participating in the program or can involve creative and practical interdisciplinary combinations of courses that fit with the student's career goals.

Asian Studies MA Requirements Sheet

Course Review Form
Each semester, before the first day of classes, students should submit this form to the Chairperson of their Supervisory Committee, or the Director of Graduate Studies if a committee is not yet established, to have their courses reviewed and approved.

Graduate Language Verification Form 

This form is required by the Graduate School, please complete this form with appropriate evidence then submit to the  Asian Studies Academic Advisor. Advanced proficiency in one Asian Language is an Asian Studies program requirement.

Prospectus/Comprehensive Exam Form 
The thesis or project/non-thesis prospectus, which takes place of a comprehensive exam, must be approved by a majority vote of the Supervisory Committee. Students are required to submit this form to the Director of Graduate Studies and the Asian Studies Academic Advisor after securing the appropriate signatures (typically fall semester of the student's second year).

Thesis Final Exam Approval Form

Students should bring this form to their thesis defense. All members of the supervisory committee will sign the form and verify the student has passed their thesis defense.  Students will then give this form to their graduate advisor.

Thesis Office Statement of Approval Form

Students should complete and submit this form with the thesis to the Thesis Office.

Project/Non-Thesis Final Exam Approval Form 
All members of the supervisory committee will sign the form and verify each member has read the final copy of your thesis and approve of the final copy. Students will submit this form to the Thesis Office within The Graduate School.

Graduation Application
Students will submit their graduation application the the Registrar's Office by the deadline to apply.

Fall Graduation (December) - September 1, 2023
Spring Graduation (May) - January 19, 2024
Summer Graduation (August) - May 22, 2024*

*applications received by March 1st will have names included in the Spring convocation program. 

The Supervisory Committee is vital to a student's graduate program. The committee consists of three faculty members and helps to plan and the student's academic program, as well advises on and evaluates the thesis. Each graduate student, in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies, is responsible for initiating the selection of a Supervisory Committee. The student should select a Supervisory Committee chair as early as possible in his or her course of study, and in any case no later than the second semester of graduate study.

Supervisory Committee Process

• Research appropriate faculty through the affiliated faculty directory
• Prepare an abstract on your intended research to share with faculty 
• Meet with potential committee members to discuss your research ideas
• Submit your supervisory committee form