The Graduate Certificate in Asian Studies is offered by the Center for the Study of Asia (CSA). It can be earned by graduate students in any Boston University graduate or professional program by fulfilling the following requirements while also fulfilling the requirements of their degree programs. The Graduate Certificate in Asian Studies can in most cases be completed without taking courses beyond the number required for the student’s degree. The certificate will be awarded only upon completion of the degree program.
This certificate can easily be undertaken by students in the MAIA, IR/MBA, and MAIR programs. Combination with other Pardee degree programs is possible but may prove logistically difficult.
Requirements
- Successfully complete at least 16 credits of coursework in courses primarily focused on Asia , with a grade of B or better in each course.
- Concentration requirement: At least three of the four courses must focus on a sub-regional or substantive area (e.g. East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia; comparative government, cultural/archeological preservation, Buddhism).
- Include classes from at least two departments or schools.
- Include no more than 4 credits of coursework in directed study or research, except with written permission of the Director of BUCSA.
- Students must complete a piece of significant independent work such as an M.A., M.F.A. thesis, doctoral dissertation, or two substantial research papers in graduate-level seminars.
- Students must demonstrate reading knowledge of an Asian language relevant to the course of study. This will be demonstrated by passing the language proficiency test of the student’s own department where it is required; for students in schools or departments that do not offer language proficiency testing, BUCSA will arrange an assessment of reading proficiency based on a dictionary-aided, timed translation of a professionally-relevant scholarly (or equivalent) document.
- Students must receive approval of completion from the Director of BUCSA and the student’s departmental faculty advisor. Students are expected to consult with the BUCSA Director at the beginning of their studies in order to ensure that their planned courses will fulfill the goals of the certificate program.
View a list of pre-approved courses for the Graduate Certificate in Asian Studies here. Other courses may be applied to the Graduate Certificate with permission of the Director of BUCSA. Please note that some classes accepted toward the Asian Studies Certificate may not count toward a student’s degree. Students should be careful to choose courses that will be accepted toward both the certificate and their degree program.