Master of Arts in Regional Studies-East Asia

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The M.A. in Regional Studies – East Asia (MARSEA) is an interdisciplinary, research-based program that provides students with graduate training in the study of modern and contemporary East Asia. The program, which is designed to be completed in one year but may be extended two, meets the needs of those entering professional careers, mid-career professionals, and students preparing for entry into doctoral programs or professional degree programs who seek to deepen their understanding of the region.

To apply to MARSEA through Columbia University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) website, please click here.

Application Deadline: February 1st, 2019 for Fall 2019 Admission

Studying at Columbia

Nestled within one of the world’s greatest and most diverse cities, Columbia’s MARSEA program offers students unparalleled access to international expertise. Resources available to the academic community include Columbia University’s renowned C.V. Starr East Asian Library and the Institute’s extensive ties to the business, diplomatic, legal, and media communities in New York City, the nation, and abroad. The dedication to East Asian Studies at Columbia has been recognized by a wide variety of funding sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, which, since 1960, has designated Columbia as an East Asian National Resource Center.

The MARSEA Curriculum

MARSEA students must attain at least third-year level proficiency in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, or second-year level proficiency in Tibetan to earn the degree. The language requirement may be met through coursework or by passing a language placement examination at Columbia. In addition to the language requirement, the degree program requires completion of a master’s thesis and 10 courses from a wide range of offerings in Anthropology, Architecture, Business, Economics, History, International Affairs, Literature, Law, Political Science, Social Work, and Sociology (for a minimum of 30 credits). Students must take the yearlong MARSEA core seminar (total of 2 courses), 2 courses on the modern history of their country of specialization, courses in at least 2 different disciplines, and at least 1 course on an East Asian country or sub-region other than the country of specialization. Students will normally complete more than 30 credits in order to meet these requirements.

Alumni Comments

“During my time as a MARSEA student, every professor I met gave me unrelenting support to grow intellectually and pursue my passions. The lectures and programs held at the Weatherhead East Asian Institute provided me with the opportunity to explore new ideas and take my writing in a direction that was interesting and original.”

– Sung Eun Kim, MARSEA ’11

“With its strong faculty and wide range of courses available, the MARSEA program allows students to take a multi-disciplinary approach to the region/country they are specializing in. The student diversity offered by New York City and Columbia complements the comprehensive education in the MARSEA program.”

-Doreen Koh, MARSEA ’12