Requirements for the M.A.

M.A. students must complete 33 hours of graduate study. At least 18 credit hours (6 courses) must be from courses offered within the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, and at least 18 credit hours (6 courses) must be in courses numbered above 700. Students must write and successfully defend a master’s thesis.

M.A. students select one of two courses of study upon entering the program: the Interdisciplinary track or the Chinese track.

The Interdisciplinary Track

Course requirements for the interdisciplinary track are as follows:

1. ASIA 725, Critical Approaches to Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (3 hours)
2. ASIA 991, Research and Writing in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (3 hours)
3. At least three courses (9 hours) within one of the following regions: East Asia, South Asia, Middle East.
4. Five additional courses (15 hours) selected in consultation with a graduate advisor (15 hours)
5. ASIA 993, Master’s Research and Thesis (3 hours)

Language prerequisites and expectations

Students in the interdisciplinary track must complete language study through 306 or its equivalent in a language taught within the Department of Asian & Middle Eastern Studies. Only courses numbered 400 and above count towards the M.A., so students are encouraged to complete language study through 306 before beginning their M.A. They are also expected to continue language study beyond 306, and/or to develop advanced skills in one language and intermediate skills in a second language during their two years of M.A. coursework.

Students are strongly encouraged to complete a study abroad program or internship in their region of expertise either before or during M.A. study.

The Chinese Track

Course requirements for the Chinese track are as follows:

1. ASIA 725, Critical Approaches to Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (3 hours)
2. ASIA 991, Research and Writing in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (3 hours)
3. At least three language and/or content courses (9 hours) related to China
4. Five additional courses (15 hours) selected in consultation with a graduate advisor
5. ASIA 993, Master’s Research and Thesis (3 hours)

Language prerequisites and expectations

CHIN 408 or its equivalent is a prerequisite for admission into the Chinese track. Students are strongly encouraged to continue their study of Chinese beyond the 408 level.

Students are strongly encouraged to complete a study abroad program or internship in China either before or during their M.A. study.