Program Overview
The masters in east asian studies at the University of Kansas offers students a dedicated program of graduate instruction in the languages, literatures, and cultures of East Asia. The MA provides students with a deep, interdisciplinary exploration of the histories, societies, and cultures of the region, focused on China, Japan, and Korea. As one of the region’s established east asian studies masters programs, KU provides rigorous training in both language and cultural analysis.
Housed within the Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures, this master of east asian studies is ideal for students pursuing careers in international relations, education, cultural institutions, global business, or doctoral study. KU’s flexible and rigorous approach allows students to specialize in a geographic or disciplinary area—whether focusing on Chinese literature, Japanese cinema, Korean history, or comparative East Asian thought. Students may pursue advanced coursework aligned with a master degree in chinese, master degree in japanese, or Korean studies emphasis while engaging in broader asian studies degree programs scholarship.
The east asian studies graduate programs at KU emphasize language mastery in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, supported by coursework in history, politics, anthropology, religion, literature, and the arts. Students complete substantial graduate-level coursework and a research component that may include a thesis or comprehensive examination, consistent with KU Graduate School standards. The program combines cultural immersion, original research, and mentorship from faculty actively engaged in East Asian scholarship.
Students in the MA in East Asian Languages and Cultures choose one of four concentrations upon admission:
- Chinese Language and Literature: Advanced study of Chinese linguistic and literary traditions, from classical texts to contemporary fiction and film, with required coursework in both modern and classical Chinese.
- Japanese Language and Literature: Advanced study of Japanese language and literary culture across historical periods, including modern texts and film.
- Korean Language and Literature: Advanced study of the Korean language alongside the history, literature, and culture of the Korean peninsula.
- East Asian Cultures: An interdisciplinary track for students who have begun language training and wish to pursue broad regional expertise across China, Japan, and Korea, drawing on coursework in anthropology, history, political science, religious studies, and related fields.
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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
East Asian Languages & Cultures, MAKU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Master’s of East Asian Languages and Cultures is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, home to a collaborative and creative community making the world better through inquiry and research.Master’s in East Asian Studies Learning Outcomes
Graduates of KU’s masters in east asian studies will:
- Demonstrate mastery of relevant knowledge in their target culture — whether pre-modern or modern — and apply that knowledge to explain literary, textual, cultural, socio-political, or linguistic topics using appropriate analytic and synthetic strategies.
- Demonstrate mastery of effective communication in academic language.
These outcomes align with KU’s broader expectations for graduate education within east asian studies graduate programs, emphasizing research, communication, and advanced regional specialization.
What Careers are Possible with a Master’s in East Asian Studies?
Graduates from KU’s masters in east asian studies pursue diverse global careers requiring advanced regional expertise and language proficiency. According to Lightcast labor market data:
- Median Salary: $60,000–$85,000 depending on industry and specialization
- Career Paths: Foreign service officer, International business consultant, Cultural affairs specialist, Translator/interpreter, University instructor, Intelligence analyst
- Top Employers: Government agencies, universities, NGOs, multinational corporations, museums, global media outlets
- Job Outlook: Growing demand for regionally and linguistically fluent professionals in diplomacy, trade, policy, and cultural exchange
Common east asian studies masters jobs include roles in international education, nonprofit leadership, research analysis, public policy, and global communications. Graduates of leading east asian studies masters programs are especially competitive in fields where linguistic fluency and cross-cultural literacy are essential.
Tuition and Financial Aid
KU supports graduate students in this program through several funding mechanisms. Suitably qualified applicants may be considered for Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs), which include an annual stipend and either a 50% or 100% tuition waiver depending on the appointment level. GTA positions are available in Eastern Civilizations courses and as drill instructors in language sequence courses.
Students may also be eligible for Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships through KU’s Center for East Asian Studies, which offer both summer and academic year awards covering tuition and living expenses. Additional funding opportunities are available through the KU Office of Graduate Studies.
For full tuition details, visit KU Financial Aid & Scholarships.
Admission Requirements
To apply to the masters in east asian studies program at KU, applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Provide official academic transcripts
- Include a statement of purpose outlining research interests in light of specific strengths that can be found among the faculty at KU
- The names and emails of three references. These references will be contacted directly by KU for letters of recommendation
- Provide a writing sample that demonstrates research or analytical ability
- GRE scores are strongly recommended
- Resume/CV
- Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers
For more information on the admissions process, please visit the East Asian Languages and Cultures page.
Student Life and Learning Experience
Students in KU’s master of east asian studies program benefit from:
- Opportunities to conduct archival or field research related to East Asia
- Collaboration with faculty engaged in active regional scholarship
- Potential funding support for language immersion and international research travel
- Access to KU’s East Asian Library collections and related humanities research resources
- Guest lectures, film series, and conferences featuring East Asia specialists from around the world
Master’s in East Asian Studies Sample Courses
KU’s masters in east asian studies curriculum offers advanced coursework supporting language mastery and regional expertise. Sample courses include:
- Advanced Modern Chinese
- Advanced Modern Japanese
- Manga: Histories and Theories
- Post-Colonial Korea
- Fiction and Film in Japan
View the full curriculum in the KU Catalog.
Master’s in East Asian Studies Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
The priority deadline for applications is Feb. 3, with a final deadline of May 1.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in two years.