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Fall 2025 Graduate Catalog

Contemporary Asian and Asian American Studies, MA

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Degree Awarded: Master of Arts in Contemporary Asian Studies
 
Chairperson: Eriko Sato
Graduate Program Director: Atsuko Oyama, Humanities Building 1114
Graduate Secretary: Lynne Foerster, Humanities Building 1046 (631) 632-4030
 

What does it mean to be an Asian in America? What are the contributions by and challenges facing Asian Americans? What is the role of linguistic, racial and ethnic identities in shaping global communication? What are the language and cultural resources we can use to combat discrimination against racialized and minoritized communities? How can we leverage Asian and Asian American languages and cultures for personal growth and societal transformation?

The Master of Arts in Contemporary Asia and Asian American Studies provides students with an interdisciplinary training to develop critical skills and stances in areas ranging from Asian diaspora and cultural studies to multilingualism and intercultural communication to literary and translation studies to intellectual history. The program prepares students for careers in teaching of Asian languages, global business, government, nonprofit organizations, education, communication, or further advanced studies in Asian and Asian American languages and cultures. The program will also provide students with opportunities for experiential learning and professional development.

We welcome students of all backgrounds who are eager to learn about Asia and Asian America in depth as they relate to the contemporary transnational and multicultural world.

Admission Requirements

Application Website

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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
  3. Special Reading Courses (reading course credits will NOT count toward completion of the M.A. degree)

Degree Requirements

30-credits, including 24-credits of course work and 6-credits of thesis/project work, over two semesters. More specifically, students are required to take the following:

  1. a pro-seminar in Asian and Asian American Studies (3 credits)
  2. one course in each of five categories (15 credits):
    • Language and Cross-Cultural Communication
    • Religions and Philosophies of Asia
    • Culture and Heritage
    • Politics and Society
    • Asian American and Diaspora Studies
  3. two elective courses in any field of interest, chosen in consultation with and subject to approval of the Graduate Director (6 credits)
  4. a thesis or final project (6 credits)

Students who have a strong background and interest in Asian Languages or Multilingualism and Intercultural Communication Studies should consult with the Graduate Program Director in order to choose courses for requirements 2 and 3, to appropriately focus on these areas.

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