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East Asian Studies, Master of Arts

USA

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What will I learn?

The Master of Arts program in East Asian Studies at St. John’s University offers you comprehensive and critical study of the historical, social, economic, political, and cultural developments of the Asian world, both as a whole and as individual societies. It will also provide you with experience in the critical use of sources and presentation of research.

You may elect a thesis or non-thesis option to complete the program. We strongly recommend the thesis option if you wish to continue your graduate studies beyond the master’s level. You must take at least one semester of Chinese or Japanese language instruction regardless of program track.

Thesis Option

The thesis option for the M.A. in East Asian Studies requires 33 credits, including six credits of master’s thesis research and a written thesis. If you elect this option, you must take either ASC 102 (Great Books from China) or ASC 300 (Introduction to Source Materials on China). You’ll choose your remaining courses in consultation with your advisor.

Non-Thesis Option

The non-thesis option for the M.A. in East Asian Studies also requires 33 credits, but all credits are to be applied to coursework. You must take either ASC 102 (Great Books from China) or ASC 300 (Introduction to Source Materials on China), and will select all other courses in consultation with your advisor.

Students in both tracks of the degree must take at least one semester of Chinese or Japanese language courses and successfully complete a comprehensive examination.

Career Outcomes

In today’s global market, professionals with cross-cultural knowledge and bilingual skills are in high demand. With knowledge of the history, culture, and languages of China, you’ll be ready to enter just about any field. From business and law to education and the arts, special opportunities are available to those with comprehensive and critical understanding of the world’s fastest-growing region.

Our graduates have gone on to further study in doctoral and advanced professional programs both in the United States and abroad. They have also landed jobs in such diverse fields as business, administration, education, libraries, and health care. Positions held by our alumni include: professors at American, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean universities; secondary education teachers in both America and China; writers; artists; librarians; military officers; government officials; investment bankers; newspaper reporters and television anchors; travel agents; entrepreneurs; and accountants.

Which department am I in?

St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Study options

Full Time (33 Hours)

Tuition fees
$26,460.00 (22,32,535) per year
USD $1,470 per credit

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please

Application deadline

Expected May, November 2025

Start date

September 2025

Venue

St. John's University

Queens Campus,

8000 Utopia Parkway,

QUEENS,

New York,

11439, United States

Entry requirements

For international students

Students should possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university. Students who apply to the M.A. in East Asian Studies are expected to have taken at least six credits of related coursework as an undergraduate.

Language Requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not attended a postsecondary institution in which English is the language of instruction must provide TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores for admission.

Applicants who have taken the SAT can have the TOEFL/IELTS requirement waived

Applicants who have attended an American high school abroad or an American university can have the TOEFL/IELTS requirement waived

Applicants from the following countries do not need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score: American Samoa; Antigua and Barbuda; Australia; Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Bermuda; Botswana; British Virgin Islands; Canada (except Quebec); Dominica; Eswatini; Gambia; Ghana; Grenada; Grand Cayman; Guyana; Ireland; Jamaica; Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; Malawi; Mauritius; New Zealand; Nigeria; Papua New Guinea; Sierra Leone; Singapore; South Africa; St. Kitts and Nevis (St. Christopher); St. Lucia; St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Trinidad and Tobago; Turks and Caicos Isle; Uganda; United Kingdom; U.S. Pacific Trust; Zambia; and Zimbabwe. This list is subject to change.

International students are encouraged to submit their application for admission and all required credentials by May 1 for fall semester admission and November 1 for spring semester admission.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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About St. John's University

All St. John’s University students are given the opportunity to earn a degree, develop core skills, and graduate with a bright future.

  • Catholic and Vincentian University in New York City
  • Extensive selection of UG and PG majors led by expert faculty
  • Wide-ranging financial support and career guidance services
  • More than 96 percent of students would recommend St. John’s