Admissions Instructions
The Department of Asian Studies admits students for the fall semester only.
Fall 2009
The application deadline for fall 2009 has passed. Late applications will not be considered - NO EXCEPTIONS.
Fall 2010
The application deadline for fall 2010 will be December 15, 2009. The online application for admission will open on September 1. Late and/or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application Instructions
Applicants must apply both to the Department of Asian Studies and to the University of Texas at Austin.
Applicants who do not submit completed materials to both the Department of Asian Studies and to the University of Texas at Austin by the application deadline will not be considered for admission. No Exceptions.
Please read our admissions Frequently Asked Questions before you complete your application for admission.
Step One: Select Your Major and Degree Sought
The Department of Asian Studies offers multiple degree programs. The Masters and Ph.D. in Asian Cultures and Languages are designed for students who wish to complete a Ph.D. and teach at a university upon graduation. The Masters in Asian Studies, and the dual degree programs with the LBJ School of Public Affairs and the McCombs School of Business, are designed for students who wish to receive a Masters degree and then enter a career in business, non-profit, NGO, or governmental work. We do not offer a Ph.D. in Asian Studies; students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. should apply to our Asian Cultures and Languages major.
Please consult with the graduate coordinator if you have any questions regarding which major to choose.
Step Two: Apply to the University of Texas at Austin
Applicants to the Department of Asian Studies should submit the following materials to the Graduate and International Admissions Center
- Official GRE scores
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation, preferably from tenured or tenure-track faculty members
- For international students, TOEFL or IELTS scores
For the University application, requirements, deadlines, and instructions, please consult the Graduate and International Admissions Center website.
Step Three: Apply to the Department of Asian Studies
The following items are to be mailed to:
Graduate Coordinator
Department of Asian Studies
University of Texas
1 University Station, G9300
Austin, Texas 78712
- Supplemental Information for Graduate Program form - download Word form
- Copy of Statement of Purpose - See Guidelines for Writing a Statement of Purpose
A brief statement, of no more than two pages (double-spaced) that describes the applicant's research interests and explains why the applicant wishes to study at UT. Applicants are encouraged to identify faculty with whom they might work, read some of their work and contact them directly. - Two Writing Samples
Samples of the applicant's academic work. Each should be 5-15 pages in length. One longer (20+pp) sample is also acceptable. Research papers are preferred but not required; writing samples do not have to be on Asia-related topics. - Copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- A CV or resume
Applying to dual degree Masters programs
Asian Studies has two dual degree Masters programs: one with the LBJ School of Public Affairs and one with the McCombs School of Business. Students enrolled in a dual degree Masters program work on both degrees simultaneously.
In order to be considered for admission to a dual degree program, applicants must submit all required materials to both graduate programs and the University's Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC). Please see the admissions websites for the LBJ School and the McCombs School of Business for their application requirements.
- LBJ School of Public Affairs: http://www.utexas.edu/lbj/degreeprograms/mpaff_admissions.php
- McCombs School of Business Administration:"http://mba.mccombs.utexas.edu/admissions/adm/onlineapp.asp
Campus visits are encouraged!
Please e-mail the Graduate Coordinator, dasgrads@austin.utexas.edu, who will help make arrangements for you to meet both faculty members and students who share your interests.
