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
The professors are incredibly supportive of the student's individual interests but
also encourage their students to go outside of their comfort zone without pushing
too hard. The great amount of support helps contribute to a low stress environment
where the student can feel comfortable in achieving their goals at their own pace.
I have found this program beneficial for my interdisciplinary needs. There are an
array of professors with awesome credentials who are willing to mentor hard-working
students. The program is also quite flexible in course offerings, especially if you
can find a faculty member to research with or to study independently with.
The professors are very supportive in helping the students achieve their individual
goals. They encourage the student to go outside their comfort zone in a calm and helpful
manner. This method does not put too much stress on the student but helps them learn
new material in a fun and engaging way.
Course Requirement and Specializations
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:
a fall pro-seminar in research methods (3 credits)
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
Contemporary Asian Diaspora
two elective courses in any field of interest, chosen in consultation with and subject
to approval of the Graduate Director (6 credits)
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.
The Asian Languages (AL) Specialization
Students who have a strong interest in languages may take graduate level Asian language
courses as their two elective courses (For “Requirement (3)”).
Multilingualism and Intercultural Communication Specialization
Students who have a strong background and interest in Multilingualism and Intercultural
Communication may choose relevant courses for four of the five categories in “Requirement
(2)” and for two elective courses in “Requirement (3).”
Our CAAS M.A. degree can be earned with a NEW GLI Focus. This new, point-based credential
focuses on giving students practical, competency based experience in issues pertaining
to globalization alongside their academic study. Aimed at budding practitioners, the
GLI Focus will expand your MA degree to put knowledge into practice and situate Asian-American
Studies on the global scale.
Adding the GLI Focus to your MA is straightforward and does not require any extra
credits. Alongside your CAAS MA degree, complete various GLI Tasks with the advising
of the Institute for Globalization Studies. Read more here about the tasks required for a GLI Focus in your MA degree.
Students who have a strong interest in globalization and Asian diaspora studies may
take relevant courses in AAAS and other departments (e.g., History, English, Sociology,
etc.) as part of “Requirements (2) and (3).”
AAS courses pertaining to globalization and Asian diaspora
AAS 560: Empire, Memory and Narratives of Asian America
Official report of TOEFL (including TOEFL Home Edition), IELTS, or Duolingo tests
(for international applicants from non-English speaking countries). See the details.
GRE is NOT required
Deadlines
Fall admissions: May 1st
Spring admissions: November 1st
*Early consideration deadline for all students: February 15, 2024
* Priority deadline for domestic students for a scholarship consideration: January
15, 2024
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.
If you say YES to any of the following—
Are you a major/minor in Asian Studies and/or Asian American Studies. who would like
to pursue a graduate degree in Asian and Asian American Studies?
Do you have an academic background in Art, Business, Education, Journalism, Health
Professions, Engineering and other fields and would like to develop expert knowledge
about Asia and Asian America?
Are you planning a career in Arts and Culture, Business, Advertising, Education, Journalism,
Diplomacy, International Relations, Health Sciences, and Industry in today’s globalized
job market?
Are you a mid-career professional who would like to enhance your job prospects by
building expert knowledge about Asia and Asian America?
Are you a teacher of ESL, EFL, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, French, Italian,
and other global languages who would like to seek relevant advanced professional training?
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:
a fall pro-seminar in research methods (3 credits)
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 - Contemporary Asian Diaspora
two elective courses in any field of interest, chosen in consultation with and subject
to approval of the Graduate Director (6 credits)
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.