To apply to the Master of Arts in Regional Studies–East Asia (MARSEA) program please visit Columbia University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) Admissions webpage here. For inquiries about the MARSEA program, please contact Natalie Pretzer-Lin, at np2603@columbia.edu.
– Apply Now–
Application Deadline:
February 1st, 2019 for Fall 2019 Admission
MARSEA Application Requirements
Prospective students must apply using the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences’ online application. Applicants should specify “East Asia: Regional Studies” under Program of Study and indicate their country of specialization (China, Japan, Korea, or Tibet) under “Subfield of Study.” A complete MARSEA application includes the following:
– A statement of academic purpose (up to 1,000 words)
– A curriculum vitae or resume
– Three letters of recommendation (up to five will be accepted)
– GRE Score
– TOEFL or IELTS Score (if applicable)
– A 10-15 page sample of scholarly writing
– Transcripts from all previous post-secondary education
– Payment of the GSAS application fee
Scholarships and Financial Aid
All applicants are considered for Weatherhead East Asian Institute academic year funding at the time of admission. U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents are encouraged to apply for the U.S. Department of Education’s Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) fellowship which provides $33,000 toward advanced East Asian language study during the academic year. For more information see here.
Frequently Asked Admissions Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is your acceptance rate?
A. For Fall 2017 Admissions, the acceptance rate was 27%.
Q. What are the minimum GPA and test scores required to apply to MARSEA?
A. MARSEA does not have a minimum GPA or GRE requirement. GPA and GRE scores are measured competitively among the pool of applicants every year. For non-native English speakers, a minimum score of 100 on the TOEFL internet-based test or score of 7.5 on IELTS is required in order to be considered for admission to the MARSEA program.
Q. Do I have to take the TOEFL or IELTS?
A. Applicants whose native language is not English and who have received an undergraduate degree from an institution in a country where the official language is not English and/or applicants who have received an undergraduate degree from a non-English speaking country and are now studying at the graduate level in the U.S. or another English-speaking country must take the TOEFL or IELTS. For more information please see here.
Q. How much does the MARSEA program cost?
A. Please see here for the updated cost of attendance.
Q. I am currently a college senior and will be entering the MARSEA program in the Fall. Where should I send my final transcript?
A. Please send your final transcript to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Office of Admissions. Please see here for more information about the Office of Admissions.
Q. Who do I contact with questions about tuition payments or questions regarding my account?
A. Please contact Student Financial Services.
Q. I applied for housing a long time ago and still haven’t heard back. What should I do?
A. Please contact Columbia University Apartment Housing (UAH) with questions regarding your application. Please note that housing is not guaranteed for M.A. students. GSAS offers information on resources to assist you in the search for off-campus housing. Please visit the above link for more information.
