EAS MA Program Admissions & Financial Aid

Application Procedure

Candidates for admission to the program must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all previous undergraduate work and 3.2 for all previous graduate work is required. Applicant records of foreign language study should demonstrate past success in East Asian language work or a high level of accomplishment in the study of non-East Asian languages.

The following materials are required and may be submitted to The Ohio State University Graduate and Professional Admissions online: 

  1. A completed OSU Graduate School Admission online application for "East Asian Studies Interdisciplinary Program."
  2. Electronic copy of official transcripts for all previous academic work (official hard copies will be requested upon conditional acceptance into the program).
  3. Current CV/resume (4 pages maximum).
  4. Writing sample (research paper or thesis, in English, no longer than 30 pages).
  5. A two-part statement of purpose no more than three pages in length:
    PART I: two pages, double-spaced, explaining why the applicant wishes to pursue an interdisciplinary graduate program in East Asian Studies (which is not the same as programs offered by the departments of East Asian Languages and Literatures, History, etc.) at The Ohio State University, including career goals, research interests, and probable major field of study, and indicating the relationship of past experience to these goals and interests.
    PART II: one page, double-spaced, explaining both the applicant’s previous East Asian language training and goals, indicating which language they will study at OSU, and listing specific faculty members and their departments at OSU with whom the applicant would like to work and whom the applicant has contacted;
  6. Three letters of recommendation from persons acquainted with the applicant’s scholastic ability and ability to adapt to different cultures; at least one letter should be from a language teacher. Letter writers will be automatically notified to submit a letter through an individualized link after the applicant has submitted their application.
  7. For international applicants only: TOEFL scores (minimum scores: TOEFL: 550 paper, 213 CBT, 79 IBT; MELAB: 82; IELTS: 7.0).

Please note that the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is NOT a requirement for admission. Applicants may submit GRE scores on a voluntary basis.

Application Deadlines

Priority deadline (for those seeking funding):
For applicants who seek funding, both international and domestic applicants must apply by November 30 for admission in the following autumn.

For those not seeking funding:
For applicants not seeking funding, the application deadline is March 1 for admission in the following autumn. Students are encouraged to matriculate in the autumn, since many courses are offered sequentially, but it is possible to matriculate in the Spring semester, especially those entering the Mid-Career Professional Track. Deadlines for each semester can be found in the student handbook.

Please note that those writing letters of recommendation will be automatically notified to submit a letter, but not until after an applicant has submitted their application. Therefore, you are encouraged to submit your application well in advance of the deadline. All application material, including letters of recommendation, should be received by the deadlines.

Financial Aid

East Asian Studies M.A. students have fared well in scholarship and fellowship competitions. Numerous students have been awarded coveted Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships for both intensive summer language study and academic year language and area studies (separate application required, see link above). Several outstanding incoming students have also been recipients of University Fellowships. Students have also been successful in garnering outside scholarship support from government sources and private foundations. For instance, the US Department of State funds the William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security Fellowship, which covers tuition and stipend for this program. Applicants interested in pursuing a career in the Diplomatic Security Service can learn more about this fellowship here. The deadline for this application is Oct. 1, 2023. The EAS MA program does not have assistantship positions available, however, students are welcome to seek assistantships through other departments and offices at the university. For further information on financial aid, see the student handbook.

Information Sessions

Prospective students are invited to attend an EASC's Interdisciplinary East Asian Studies Master of Arts (EAS MA) Program information session, to be held via Zoom.  Each session will include an overview of the MA program, details on how to apply, information on potential funding, and will provide an opportunity to ask questions. Registration is required.

  • Thursday, September 28, 2023, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. EST REGISTER
 
  • Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. EST REGISTER

 

  • Thursday, January 25, 2024, 7:00-8:00 p.m. EST Register 

(Please note this final information session is AFTER the priority application deadline. Applicants interested in being considered for funding must apply by November 30. They are encouraged to attend one of the first two information sessions.)

Questions?

Contact us by email or phone at (614) 247-5364.