Tibet landscape

Degree Requirements

*Note: Requirements have been updated in Fall 2024; new requirements apply to current and prospective students

  • All students choose to specialize in one of the following regions: China, Japan, Korea, Tibet, or Vietnam.
     
  • Language proficiency equivalent to having completed the 3rd-year level of Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, or 2nd-year level of Tibetan or Vietnamese in accordance with the region of specialization. The language requirement may be met by passing Columbia’s language placement examination or through coursework at Columbia.
     
  • Yearlong MARSEA core seminar (GR6220: MARSEA Core Seminar I – Fall and GR6221: MARSEA Core Seminar II – Spring).
     
  • Master’s thesis dealing substantially with the region of specialization.
     
  • 1 graduate-level modern history course on the region of specialization. Comparable work may be substituted with permission from MARSEA’s Academic Director.
     
  • 4 graduate-level regional courses selected from at least two different fields: at least one of the three courses must focus on an Asia Pacific region or sub-region other than one’s region of specialization. These courses must include at least one colloquia and/or seminar. One language course at the 4th-year level or above may be counted towards this requirement. Courses dealing with the Asia Pacific as a whole or dealing with relations between the Asia Pacific and other regions (such as the U.S.) may also be taken to fulfill this requirement.
     
  • 1 graduate-level elective course, which may focus on topics outside of East Asia.
     
  • All students must complete 30 credits and 2 Resident Units (the GSAS equivalent of 2 full-time semesters).