UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · UNITED STATES
M.A. in East Asia Studies
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 55+Faculty members
- One of the 10 largestEast Asian language libraries in the US
- Nationally recognized programsin China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan Studies
- Flexible curriculumwith specialization or broad regional focus
- Strong career outcomesin major companies, government, and academia
- Opportunities for internshipsin trade-dependent Washington State
The Master of Arts (M.A.) program in East Asian Studies at the University of Washington provides a comprehensive understanding of the cultures, histories, societies, and contemporary issues of China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. With over 55 faculty members across specialized programs like China Studies, Japanese Studies, Korean Studies, and Taiwan Studies, the program offers a deep and broad range of courses in the social sciences and humanities. Students benefit from close faculty-student interaction and a strong cohort community. The program allows for combining graduate study with professional degrees and further advanced work in disciplinary departments. The East Asia programs at UW are nationally recognized for their strengths in areas such as history, political science, political economy, language and literature, and anthropology. The Tateuchi East Asia Library is one of the largest East Asian language libraries in the United States. The program also hosts numerous academic events and lectures, bringing external scholars to campus. Located in Seattle, a city with significant trade ties to Pacific nations, students have opportunities for internships and engagement with East Asian concerns in the community.
Curriculum
The M.A. program combines structured core courses with elective flexibility, allowing students to focus on a specific issue or broadly explore East Asia. Students must complete 40 credits of graduate-level work (400-level and above), with at least 18 credits at the 500-level or above, excluding language and thesis credits. A GPA of 3.0 or above is required, along with second-year proficiency in a research language (Chinese, Japanese, or Korean). The program culminates in either a thesis or two article-length papers, followed by an oral exam. All degree requirements must be completed within six years.
- Year 1
- Proseminar in East Asian StudiesJSIS A 550
- Core Course 1
- Core Course 2
- Elective East Asia Studies Course 1
- Elective East Asia Studies Course 2
- Year 2
- Elective East Asia Studies Course 3
- Supervisory Committee Formation & Work
- Thesis or Article-Length Paper Research/WritingJSIS 700
- Oral Exam
Careers
Graduates of the M.A. in East Asian Studies program are well-prepared for careers in a variety of sectors, both domestically and internationally. The program's strong academic foundation and regional expertise equip students for diverse professional paths.
- Analysts
- Researchers
- Program Managers
- Consultants
- Policy Advisors
Frequently asked questions
- What are the admission requirements for the M.A. in East Asian Studies program?
- Applicants need a baccalaureate degree and a strong academic record. International applicants must also meet the University of Washington Graduate School's requirements for overseas applicants, which may include English proficiency proof. Specific GPA or prerequisite coursework is not detailed.
- What is the program duration and credit requirement?
- The M.A. program requires students to complete 40 credits of graduate-level work. The curriculum is typically structured over two years, culminating in a thesis or two article-length papers and an oral exam.
- How much does the M.A. in East Asian Studies cost?
- Tuition fees are listed on the university's tuition and fees dashboard, but specific amounts for this M.A. are not directly provided. Research track students may be eligible for tuition waivers through assistantships.
- What are the application deadlines for the M.A. in East Asian Studies?
- Applications are accepted for Autumn quarter admission only, with a deadline of January 31. International applicants should pay close attention to specific requirements for overseas applicants.
- What career paths are available after completing this program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Analysts, Researchers, Program Managers, Consultants, and Policy Advisors in various sectors, both domestically and internationally. Many also pursue post-graduate study, such as a Ph.D.
- Are there scholarship or funding opportunities available for international students?
- Research track students may be eligible for assistantships that offer a full tuition waiver, monthly stipend, and insurance. Fellowships may also be available, and applicants should consult the Graduate Funding Information Service (GFIS) and the UW Graduate School.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeA baccalaureate degree is required. Specific GPA or prerequisite coursework is not detailed but a strong academic record is expected for graduate admission.
IELTSNot specified
TOEFLNot specified
International applicants should refer to the University of Washington Graduate School's specific requirements for international applicants, which may include transcript evaluations and proof of English proficiency.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees are listed on the university's tuition and fees dashboard. Specific amounts for the M.A. in East Asia Studies are not directly provided on the program page.
Tuition (home)Tuition fees are listed on the university's tuition and fees dashboard. Specific amounts for the M.A. in East Asia Studies are not directly provided on the program page.
LivingEstimated annual cost of attendance figures are available on the university's tuition and fees dashboard, but program-specific estimates are not detailed.
The University of Washington has a tuition and fees dashboard that provides current rates. For the M.A. in East Asia Studies, students are expected to complete 40 credits. The cost per credit is the same for residents and non-residents for some professional master's programs, but this detail is not confirmed for the East Asia M.A. Research track students may be eligible for tuition waivers through assistantships.
How to apply
1. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online application form through the UW Graduate School admissions portal by the January 31 deadline.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all required documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and any other supporting materials as specified by the program and the Graduate School.
3. Pay Application FeeSubmit the required application fee along with your application.
4. Await DecisionAdmissions decisions are typically released after the application review process is complete.
Scholarships
Research AssistantshipsFull tuition waiver, monthly stipend, medical and dental insurance
Teaching AssistantshipsFull tuition waiver, monthly stipend, medical and dental insurance
FellowshipsVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the admission requirements for the M.A. in East Asian Studies program?
+
Applicants need a baccalaureate degree and a strong academic record. International applicants must also meet the University of Washington Graduate School's requirements for overseas applicants, which may include English proficiency proof. Specific GPA or prerequisite coursework is not detailed.
What is the program duration and credit requirement?
+
The M.A. program requires students to complete 40 credits of graduate-level work. The curriculum is typically structured over two years, culminating in a thesis or two article-length papers and an oral exam.
How much does the M.A. in East Asian Studies cost?
+
Tuition fees are listed on the university's tuition and fees dashboard, but specific amounts for this M.A. are not directly provided. Research track students may be eligible for tuition waivers through assistantships.
What are the application deadlines for the M.A. in East Asian Studies?
+
Applications are accepted for Autumn quarter admission only, with a deadline of January 31. International applicants should pay close attention to specific requirements for overseas applicants.
What career paths are available after completing this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Analysts, Researchers, Program Managers, Consultants, and Policy Advisors in various sectors, both domestically and internationally. Many also pursue post-graduate study, such as a Ph.D.
Are there scholarship or funding opportunities available for international students?
+
Research track students may be eligible for assistantships that offer a full tuition waiver, monthly stipend, and insurance. Fellowships may also be available, and applicants should consult the Graduate Funding Information Service (GFIS) and the UW Graduate School.