MA East Asian Studies at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

The Interdisciplinary Master of Arts in East Asian Studies (IDMA) offers training with a concentration in China, Japan or Korea, preparing students for Asia-related careers or doctoral study. Strengths include applied linguistics and literary, media and performance studies.

Faculty: Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures | Duration: Typically two years (minimum 30 credits) | Intake: Fall | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

At least 30 credits in two or more departments including EAS 2005 Critical Approaches to East Asia, continued language study (three years of college-level language needed overall), at least one 3-credit course on a second East Asian country, and a thesis, three-paper portfolio or translation project with an oral exam.

Career pathways

Asia-related careers; graduates have specialised in literary, media, performance studies and translation.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Two years of college-level Chinese, Japanese or Korean; strong academic record with cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher; statement of purpose (500-600 words), three letters of recommendation, writing sample (at least 10 double-spaced pages); GRE not required or accepted; $75 fee; deadline January 15. International: TOEFL 90 (22 per section) or IELTS 7.0 (6.5 per section) or Duolingo 110.

Domestic applicants: USD 27,412 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident graduate tuition, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 49,272 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) graduate tuition, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

Entry terms (Fall, Spring, Summer) and deadlines are set by each school or department; the University's graduate catalog lists Fall, Spring and Summer terms for new graduate students.

Graduate and professional applications are made online to the school or department of intended study, with deadlines set by each school or department; official English-test results are required from applicants from countries where English is not the official language.

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