Graduate students wishing to intensify their study of a country or region in Asia will gain a deeper and broader perspective by enrolling in the Graduate Certificate in Asian Studies. The graduate certificate entails a combination of foreign language training and multidisciplinary area studies necessary for communicative and cultural competence. Students from any school or department have the opportunity to study or conduct research in or about Asia. Typically, students earn this additional academic credential at no extra tuition cost and with minimal additional investment of time and work.
Why choose the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Asian Studies?
The Graduate Certificate in Asian Studies is suitable for students who intend to use their Asian studies knowledge in careers such as social and public policy programs, the US Foreign Service, international NGOs, multinational corporations, and higher education. Students wanting to stretch their intellectual understanding beyond a single Asian culture or discipline would also benefit from this program. This credential alerts prospective employers to the student’s expertise and scope of knowledge.
Academic Requirements
The graduate certificate entails a combination of foreign language training and multidisciplinary area studies necessary for both communicative and cultural competence. It has three academic components: Asian language proficiency, Asian studies courses, and a capstone research paper.
- Asian Language Proficiency: A student must demonstrate proficiency in reading and speaking one approved Asian language related to one of the student’s countries or regions of interest. Proficiency means at least three years of college-level study or the equivalent; it may be established by completing language courses or by passing a special examination.
- Asians Studies Courses: A minimum of five upper-level courses or graduate seminars focused on Asia, in at least two departments. Four of these courses may overlap with the student’s primary academic program. The five courses must include one seminar outside the student’s major department.
- Capstone Paper, Project, or Presentation: Students must submit a research-based paper, project, or presentation from a course, research project, or conference. The submitted capstone work must include evidence of interdisciplinary research.
Admission Process
Graduate students can seek admission to the certificate program as soon as they have been admitted to the University of Pittsburgh.
Please fill out the appointment form here to schedule a meeting with our Academic Adviser and discuss admission into the program.
Scholarships
All certificate students are eligible to apply for Asian Studies Center scholarship funds. Held each year, scholarship competitions are made possible by endowment funds, grants from private sources, and funds from the US Department of Education.