Master in Asian Studies/Civilization (Master's)

At Cornell University, tuition costs 29,500 USD per year.

This program prepares students without an undergraduate major in Asian studies for advanced work in language and area studies. It emphasizes regional expertise through focused study in East, South, or Southeast Asia. Students engage in research and language training tailored to their academic and professional goals. The degree requires two years of full-time study, with a thesis completed in the second year.

Focus areas include East Asian linguistics, East Asian studies, South Asian linguistics, South Asian studies, Southeast Asian linguistics, Southeast Asian studies.

The program requires at least two semesters of full-time coursework and a master's thesis. Coursework and research are determined by the student’s Special Committee, with mandatory enrollment in research courses each semester.

Graduates pursue careers in academia, international organizations, government agencies, and cultural institutions requiring regional expertise and language proficiency.

Applicants must meet all Graduate School requirements, including English language proficiency. Three recommendations and an academic writing sample are required. The application deadline for the Fall term is February 1.

In Person, Full-time, typically two years. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 8% of applicants.

Cornell University, founded in 1865 in Ithaca, New York, is an Ivy League research university that blends rigorous scholarship with broad public engagement. As both a privately endowed institution and New York State's statutory land-grant university, Cornell brings together liberal arts, engineering, agriculture, and professional schools to offer wide academic choice across more than twenty colleges and programs. Its historic mission emphasizes teaching, research, and service, making Cornell a global destination for students seeking depth and interdisciplinary opportunity.

Academically, Cornell is known for high-impact research across the sciences, humanities, and applied fields. With about 25,582 students and over 6,200 international learners, the campus provides extensive resources including research centers, interdisciplinary institutes, and industry partnerships that support undergraduate and graduate training. Students benefit from hands-on learning, internship networks, and faculty mentorship that often include international collaborations and community-engaged projects.

Life in Ithaca balances scenic natural spaces with a lively arts and dining scene and strong student services, from career counseling to study abroad advising. Residential options, student clubs, and entrepreneurial hubs help newcomers settle in and build professional pathways both in the United States and abroad. For international applicants seeking world-class research, wide program choice, and a community that values public service and innovation, Cornell offers a supportive and stimulating environment.