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Asian Languages/Civilizations (Chinese), MA

Asian Languages/Civilizations (Chinese), MA

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Asian Languages/Civilizations (Chinese), MA

Asian Studies, China, Chinese, Cultural Studies, Culture, East Asian, Language, Language and Cultures, Linguistics, asian, foreign, foreign language, literature

Deepen your academic and societal understanding of China while continuing to study the language in depth. Study in a research-intensive, interdisciplinary program in the traditional and modern languages and cultures of China.

Program description
Degree awarded: MA  Asian Languages and Civilizations (Chinese)

The Chinese graduate program in the School of International Letters and Cultures offers an MA degree with a focus in one of two areas: culture (literature, linguistics, religion) or pedagogy.

The two areas of instruction are designed to prepare students to succeed in Chinese language environments with cultural competence. Each of these two areas also introduce students to the fundamentals of sinology and East Asian studies, which can prepare them for further scholarly, educational and professional pursuits.

The focus on culture (literature, linguistics, religion) provides disciplinary training that allows students to achieve in-depth command of spoken, aural and oral Mandarin Chinese as well as written literary Chinese.

The pedagogy focus is intended for students whose major interest is in teaching modern Chinese in K-16 environments. Students are trained in communicative and task-based language teaching approaches embedded within appropriate cultural contexts, as well as developing solid foundations in teaching Chinese literacy, pronunciation and linguistic systems.

At a glance
Degree requirements

30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (CHI 593)

Required Core (3 credit hours)
CHI 501 or JPN 501 Proseminar: East Asian Humanities (3)

Concentration (3 credit hours)
SLC 596 Second Language Methodologies (3)

Electives (15 credit hours)

Other Requirements (3 credit hours)
CHI 598 Topic: History of the Chinese Language (3)

Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
CHI 593 Applied Project (6) or
CHI 599 Thesis (6)

Additional Curriculum Information
The Master of Arts in Asian languages and civilizations has concentrations in Chinese and Japanese. Students in the Chinese concentration take CHI 501 as required core and students in the Japanese concentration take JPN 501 for core. The course is cross-listed.

Electives are selected in consultation with the program chairperson.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in Chinese or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement
  4. writing sample
  5. resume
  6. three letters of recommendation
  7. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

The writing sample should represent the applicant's thinking and writing skills on a topic connected with Chinese culture.

Candidates for the master's degree should present the equivalent of an undergraduate major in Chinese upon entrance to the program. Those who lack this background but show strong potential and meet the Graduate College admission requirements, including those with regard to English proficiency, may be admitted to a graduate program on a provisional basis, pending removal of specified deficiencies. These deficiencies must be completed in addition to the regular plan of study for the master's degree.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 01/15Final
Career opportunities

Professionals with this degree can confidently move into academic, business and international fields. Skills developed through this program are valued for teaching positions, translation work or work in larger sectors such as governmental, diplomatic and international business.

Career examples include:

  • foreign service
  • historians
  • interpreters and translators
  • lawyers
  • reporters and correspondents
  • social and community service managers
  • state department employees
  • supply chain managers
  • teachers and professors of area, ethnic and cultural studies
  • teachers and professors of foreign language and literature
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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