About the Program
Housed within Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, the Master of Arts in Asian Studies (MASIA) program provides students a unique combination of functional training and regional expertise. This degree equips students with the necessary skills to engage with private and public sector interests in Asia while solving global issues related to the region. MASIA at Georgetown is a terminal, 36-credit (12-course) program, where students have the opportunity to study core disciplines in the humanities and the social sciences as they relate to Asia. Students also pursue one or more thematic/geographic concentrations. A thesis option is available.
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Program Contact: Robert Lyons: rml74@georgetown.edu
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Degrees Offered
- M.A.
Accelerated program (Georgetown students only)
- B.S.F.S./M.A.
Admissions Requirements
For general graduate admissions requirements, visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information page. Review the program’s website for additional information on program application requirements.
Application Materials required:
- Application Form
- Non-refundable Application Fee
- Academic Statement of Purpose
- Optional: Statement on Diversity, Personal Background & Contributions
- Writing Sample
- Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
- Transcripts – Applicants are required to upload to the application system copies of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information page for additional details and FAQs.
- Resume/CV
- TOEFL/IELTS (if applicable)
- TOEFL = 100 minimum
- IELTS = 7.5 minimum
Application Deadlines
- Fall
- January 15 (priority; scholarship)
- April 1 (final)
Degree Requirements
The M.A. in Asian Studies (MASIA) is a 36 credit (12 course) degree program. In addition to the three foundation courses, students must pursue three courses towards a single concentration. The remaining coursework can be taken as electives, additional concentrations, or utilized for an SFS certificate program. Students may elect to write a thesis as part of their degree program.
Concentrations
The MASIA program offers three functional concentrations and two subregional concentrations. Students simply take three courses focused upon one of these five options. It is possible for students to achieve two concentrations within their degree program. Since MASIA offers a large emphasis on the study of East Asia, students who wish to specialize in South Asia or Southeast Asia can pursue one of the two sub-regional concentrations.
Functional Concentrations:
- Politics and Security of Asia
- History, Society and Culture of Asia
- International Political Economy/Business of Asia
Subregional Concentrations:
- South Asia
- Southeast Asia
Thesis Option
Students have the option of completing an M.A. thesis in conjunction with a faculty supervisor, upon approval of the Director of Asian Studies. If the candidate chooses to write a M.A. thesis, the candidate must enroll in a thesis seminar (or independent tutorial), which is traditionally taught in the second semester of the program.
Language
M.A. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in an Asian language at the completion of the program by:
- successful completion with a grade of B+ or better of advanced language study equivalent to the third year at Georgetown or a comparable language program during the time in the M.A. in Asian Studies Program; or
- specified grade of proficiency in US Government or equivalent language testing while a graduate student at Georgetown; or
- pass a proficiency test at Georgetown University; or
- successful completion of other testing approved by the Director of Asian Studies and the Chair of the Department of East Asian Languages and Culture.
Upon arrival at Georgetown, all students planning to further their language studies will be required to participate in a language placement exam. Advanced language learners who wish to test out of continued language study while at Georgetown must pass a proficiency exam to satisfy the language requirement. Native speakers of an Asian language, as determined by the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures and the Director of Asian Studies, are considered exempt from the language proficiency requirement.
Certificates
In addition to regular degree requirements, students may use elective courses to complete a certificate in one of the following areas:
- African Studies
- Arab Studies
- Diplomatic Studies
- Eurasian, Russian & East European Studies
- International Business Diplomacy
- Refugees and Humanitarian Emergencies