The University of Arizona’s School of International Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (SILLC), Eller College of Management, School of Journalism, and School of Government and Public Policy share a strong commitment to educating future leaders of the new global economy in a world that increasingly requires the highest level of intercultural competence. The Professional MA in East Asian Studies is a course of study that allows students to complete an MA in East Asian Studies (EAS) with an emphasis in one of the following areas:
The 21st century has been dubbed “The Asian Century,” and there is no doubt about the impact of China and East Asian economies in our current and future world. There is an increasing and strong demand for business and other professionals who combine knowledge of their subjects with a deep understanding of East Asian cultures and societies. This is an awareness that industries and organizations need from an adaptable and creative workforce; experts equipped with the cultural understanding, knowledge of social dynamics, and language proficiency to lead our economy and institutions through complex global situations (adapted from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences’ report “The Heart of the Matter,” 2013), is nowhere more true than in East Asia.
Employers confirm that the following skills taught in the Professional MA in East Asian Studies are in high demand in all industries:
- The experience and ability to adapt and function in unfamiliar environments and new situations;
- The ability to communicate well with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds;
- The ability to negotiate difficult/abstract tasks with an acute sense of initiative and creativity;
- The ability to analyze, evaluate, and assess cultural differences in professional settings;
- Heightened ability to apply the skills of critical thinking, reading, writing, and synthesizing information.
Graduates who combine East Asian Studies with a professional discipline are successfully employed in all fields.
Campus Life
Whatever your interests and hobbies may be, you will find plenty to do right here on campus! As a member of the Pacific 12 athletic conference, we host NCAA I games and competitions in a variety of sports. The University of Arizona also offers an abundance of clubs, film series, lectures, concerts (for example, UA Presents), and other cultural events and activities – it is virtually impossible to find a day when there is “nothing to do”! And because our campus is relatively compact and centralized, almost all the University museums, libraries, restaurants, stadiums, theaters, and lecture halls are within easy walking or biking distance of our Department.
Location
Tucson is a vibrant city of 550,000 people with a metropolitan area of more than a million residents – yet many students will tell you that it has a small-town atmosphere. Vestiges of Spanish colonial architecture from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and legends of Wild West cowboys who once graced our streets, at once contribute to the region’s colorful history and make the “Old Pueblo” an intriguing town to explore. For those who enjoy the arts, we have a variety of dance and theatre companies, both professional and amateur orchestras, and regular performances throughout the year by well-known artists and touring companies (for just a sample, see Broadway in Tucson or the Tucson Convention Center’s Event Calendar). Tucson also offers year-round sunshine, palm trees, affordable living, and incredible possibilities for weekend excursions to destinations like Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and the beaches of Mexico and San Diego!
Program Cost
Students in this program are not eligible for GATships.
How to Apply
Interested candidates for admission to our program should explore the Graduate College website, contact us with any questions they may have, and then fill out the online application if they feel that our programs are well-suited to their interests and qualifications. The deadline of application is January 15.
For more information, contact Dr. Feng-hsi Liu, Director of Graduate Studies fliu@arizona.edu