Master of Arts in Regional Studies - East Asia

Update: Admissions decisions will be out by early April. Please note that GRE and TOFEL scores have been received however the application system will not send updated information.

The Weatherhead East Asian Institute administers the Masters in Regional Studies—East Asia (MARSEA) through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for those wishing to focus on a social science approach to modern politics, international relations, modern history, and cultural and social formations of the region with a country focus through an intensive one year program. Applicants should have some prior language training and must attain at least third year proficiency in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, or second year proficiency in Tibetan to earn the degree. The language requirement may be met through coursework or by passing a language placement exam at Columbia.

In addition to the language requirement, the degree program requires completion of a minimum of 30 credits, including a master's thesis and eight regional courses from a wide range of offerings in Anthropology, Business, Economics, History, International Affairs, Literature, Law, Political Science, and Sociology. Of the eight courses, two must be in modern history. Candidates must also take courses in at least two different disciplines, and at least one course must focus on an Asian country or sub-region other than the country of specialization. At least two of the eight courses must be colloquia or seminars.

Please refer to the MARSEA Handbook for the rules and regulations about the Program, here.

The program, completed in two full-time semesters, is tailored to meet the needs of individuals entering professional careers, mid-career professionals, students preparing for entry into doctoral programs, and those pursuing a professional degree, such as the J.D. or M.B.A., who want to gain regional expertise.