M.A. in Contemporary Asian & Asian American Studies

Graduate Director:  Atsuko Oyama

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The Master of Arts in Contemporary Asia and Asian American Studies provides students with an interdisciplinary training to develop critical skills and stances in areas ranging from Asian diaspora and cultural studies to multilingualism and intercultural communication to literary and translation studies to intellectual history.

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The professors are incredibly supportive of the student's individual interests but also encourage their students to go outside of their comfort zone without pushing too hard. The great amount of support helps contribute to a low stress environment where the student can feel comfortable in achieving their goals at their own pace. -Student 1

I have found this program beneficial for my interdisciplinary needs. There are an array of professors with awesome credentials who are willing to mentor hard-working students. The program is also quite flexible in course offerings, especially if you can find a faculty member to research with or to study independently with. -Student 2

The professors are very supportive in helping the students achieve their individual goals. They encourage the student to go outside their comfort zone in a calm and helpful manner. This method does not put too much stress on the student but helps them learn new material in a fun and engaging way. -Student 3

 

Course Requirement and Specializations

30-credits, including 24-credits of course work and 6-credits of thesis/project work, over two semesters. More specifically, students are required to take the following:

 

1. a fall pro-seminar in research methods (3 credits)
2. one course in each of five categories (15 credits):
   • • Language and Cross-Cultural Communication
     • Religions and Philosophies of Asia
     • Culture and Heritage
     • Politics and Society
     • Contemporary Asian Diaspora
3. two elective courses in any field of interest, chosen in consultation with and subject to approval of the Graduate Director (6 credits)
4. a thesis or final project (6 credits)

 

Students who have a strong background and interest in Asian Languages or Multilingualism and Intercultural Communication Studies should consult with the Graduate Program Director in order to choose courses for requirements 2 and 3, to appropriately focus on these areas.

 

 

 

• What is the focus of the new MA-CAAS program?

  What does it mean to be an Asian in America? What are the contributions by and challenges facing Asian Americans? What is the role of linguistic, racial and ethnic identities in shaping global communication? What are the language and cultural resources we can use to combat discrimination against racialized and minoritized communities? How can we leverage Asian and Asian American languages and cultures for personal growth and societal transformation?

  The Master of Arts in Contemporary Asia and Asian American Studies provides students with an interdisciplinary training to develop critical skills and stances in areas ranging from Asian diaspora and cultural studies to multilingualism and intercultural communication to literary and translation studies to intellectual history. The program prepares students for careers in teaching of Asian languages, global business, government, nonprofit organizations, education, communication, or further advanced studies in Asian and Asian American languages and cultures. The program will also provide students with opportunities for experiential learning and professional development.

  We welcome students of all backgrounds who are eager to learn about Asia and Asian America in depth as they relate to the contemporary transnational and multicultural world.

   

• Who should apply?

  If you say YES to any of the following—

  1. Are you a major/minor in Asian Studies and/or Asian American Studies. who would like to pursue a graduate degree in Asian and Asian American Studies?
  2. Do you have an academic background in Art, Business, Education, Journalism, Health Professions, Engineering and other fields and would like to develop expert knowledge about Asia and Asian America?
  3. Are you planning a career in Arts and Culture, Business, Advertising, Education, Journalism, Diplomacy, International Relations, Health Sciences, and Industry in today’s globalized job market?
  4. Are you a mid-career professional who would like to enhance your job prospects by building expert knowledge about Asia and Asian America?
  5. Are you a teacher of ESL, EFL, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, French, Italian, and other global languages who would like to seek relevant advanced professional training?

   

• What does the MA-CAAS curriculum look like?

  30-credits including 24-credits of course work and 6-credits of thesis/project work, over two semesters.  More specifically, students are required to take the following:

  1. a fall pro-seminar in research methods (3 credits)
  2. one course in each of five categories (15 credits):
     
     - Language and Cross-Cultural Communication
     
     - Religions and Philosophies of Asia
     
     - Culture and Heritage
     
     - Politics and Society
     
     - Contemporary Asian Diaspora
  3. two elective courses in any field of interest, chosen in consultation with and subject to approval of the Graduate Director (6 credits)
  4. a thesis or final project (6 credits)

  Students who have a strong background and interest in Asian Languages or Multilingualism and Intercultural Communication Studies should consult with the Graduate Program Director in order to choose courses for requirements 2 and 3, to appropriately focus on these areas.

  Faculty Strengths

• What do you need to prepare to apply for the MA-CAAS program?
  • Undergraduate transcript
  • Statement of purpose (500-1000 words)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official report of TOEFL scores (for international applicants from non-English speaking countries)

   

• What is the deadline?
  Applications should be received by November 1st for the spring term and April 1st for the fall term. 
  * We have recently extended our Fall 2024 deadline to April 1st! 
  
  Applications may be considered after the deadline at the discretion of the admissions committee.

   

  Graduate Assistantships may be available through the Centers affiliated with the Department.

  Apply Here

• Who to contact for more information?

  Professor Atsuko Oyama

  Director of Graduate Studies

  Department of Asian and Asian American Studies

  College of Arts and Sciences, Stony Brook University

  atsuko.oyama@stonybrook.edu

  631-632-4030