GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN ASIAN STUDIES

 

A certificate in Asian Studies is another academic credential that attests to a student’s particular knowledge of one or more of the societies of Asia. The certificate is designed for students who wish to intensify their study of Asia—either because they intend to use their knowledge of that critical part of the world in their careers after graduation, or because they realize the importance of an understanding of Asian history, language, and culture as part of their liberal arts education.

 

An Asian Studies Certificate may be earned by students from any department or school of the University. It entails a combination of foreign language training and multidisciplinary area studies necessary for both communicative and cultural competence. When the academic degree and certificate requirements are completed, both are posted on the student’s official academic transcript.

 

Since most certificate students find they would have taken courses required for the Asian Studies certificate as part of their regular programs of study, enrolling in the certificate program allows them to earn another academic credential at no extra tuition cost and without additional investment of time or work. More than 300 students are currently enrolled in Asian Studies certificate programs.

 

How to Enroll in the Certificate Program

All students interested in enrolling in the certificate program in Asian Studies should apply to the Asian Studies Center as soon as they have been admitted to the University of Pittsburgh. Applicants should contact Dr. Katherine Carlitz via email to kcarlitz@pitt.edu to set up an appointment to enroll. Enrollment hours are generally between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

 

Successful completion of the advanced certificate program in Asian Studies is noted on the student’s official academic transcript upon graduation.

Benefits to Students

The Asian Studies Certificate Program provides a number of benefits to its enrollees, including:

• Eligibility to apply for ASC scholarship funds. Forms are automatically sent to certificate students during the fall term. Scholarship competitions are held each year and are funded by endowment funds, grants from private sources, and monies from the U.S. Department of Education.
• Monthly Asian Studies Newsletters and frequent mailings announcing the many lectures, seminars, guest speakers, and activities sponsored by the Center.
• Special booklets produced each term that identify and describe classes with an Asian content from throughout the University.

Graduate Certificate Requirements

Graduate students from any school of the University are encouraged to apply for the Advanced Certificate in Asian Studies. The following are the advanced certificate requirements:

• A minimum of five upper-level courses or graduate seminars dealing with Asia, in at least two departments. The five courses must include one seminar outside the student’s major department.
• A research paper. The student can fulfill this requirement by presenting either a seminar paper or thesis. The paper can be used to complete departmental requirements for a graduate degree as well as for the certificate, but must include research using the student's approved Asian language.
• Demonstration of proficiency in reading and speaking an approved Asian language related to one of the student’s countries or regions of interest. Proficiency is interpreted to mean at least three years of study or the equivalent, and may be demonstrated by successfully completing courses or by passing a special examination.

Information for GSPIA Students

There are three separate options now offered that allow students in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) to earn an Asian Studies Certificate. The certificate is awarded only upon completion of a GSPIA degree. A student may choose one of the following programs:

1) A Special Certificate in Asian Studies designed for GSPIA students does not entail language work. For at least three required courses in the GSPIA Master of Public & International Affairs (MPIA) or Master of International Development (MID) program, the student must prepare a research paper with a focus on economic, social or political problems germane to no more than three Asian countries. In addition, three of the electives required for an MPIA or MID degree must involve work on the problems germane to no more than three Asian countries. The terminal option (capstone course) in the MPIA or MID program or the dissertation in the PhD program must be focused on issues in an Asian context.

 

2) A Related Concentration Certificate in Asian Studies requires five upper-level courses on Asia, a research paper focusing on Asia and a total of three years’ study of no more than three different Asian languages. For the MPIA or MID program, the student must prepare a research paper with a focus on economic, social or political problems germane to no more than three Asian countries. Three of the electives required for an MPIA or MID degree must involve work on the problems germane to no more than three Asian countries. The terminal option (capstone course) in the MPIA or MID program or the dissertation in the PhD program must be focused on issues in an Asian context.

 

3) An Advanced Certificate in Asian Studies demands three years’ study of a single Asian language and five upper level courses or graduate seminars dealing with Asia in at least two departments. For at least three required courses in the GSPIA MPIA or MID program, the student must prepare a research paper with a focus on economic, social or political problems germane to no more than three Asian countries. Three electives required for an MPIA or MID degree must involve work on the problems germane to no more than three Asian countries. The terminal option (capstone course) in the MPIA or MID program or the dissertation in the PhD program must be focused on issues in an Asian context.

 

Updated October 29, 2012