MA Southeast Asian Studies at University of California, Riverside

Programme overview

An interdepartmental master's programme centred on the study of the arts and cultural life in Southeast Asia and its diasporas. It offers a research-based thesis track (Track 1) and a community engagement track with a written report (Track 2).

Faculty: College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences | Department: Southeast Asian Studies (SEATRiP) | Duration: Two years normative (36 units minimum) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Riverside, CA, United States

What you will study

Students pass the Proseminar (SEAS 200) and four of six seminars (SEAS 201-206) with a B or better, plus four additional approved seminars, and reach proficiency in a relevant language. Track 1 ends in a 50-60 page thesis and oral exam; Track 2 in community work, a 25-30 page report and a comprehensive oral exam.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Writing sample required; master's students must hold at least a 3.00 GPA in upper-division and graduate coursework related to the degree. Graduate Division (university-wide): bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or recognized international equivalent; minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA (some programs set a higher standard); transcripts, statement of purpose and letters of recommendation; English proficiency (TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic 7 with no component below 6) unless the prior degree was taught in English; GRE/GMAT only where the program requires it (many no longer do). Source: graduate.ucr.edu/admission-requirements.

UC Riverside operates a quarter system. Summer begins mid-June, Fall late September, Winter early January and Spring late March/early April. Most graduate programmes admit and begin in the Fall quarter only.

New domestic applicants: Fall January 5 (fellowship consideration) / June 1 (admission only), Winter November 1, Spring February 1, Summer May 1. New international applicants: Fall January 5 (fellowship consideration) / June 1 (admission only), Winter September 1, Spring December 1, Summer March 1. A few programmes have deadlines after June 1 and some have earlier programme deadlines. The Winter 2027 and Spring 2027 applications are open for select programmes only; the Summer/Fall 2027 application opened September 1, 2026, with rolling review for most programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.ucr.edu/apply/

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