The MA degree in Southeast Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary program designed to meet the unique needs of two broad groups of students: those seeking certification of area expertise en route to a disciplinary doctoral degree and those seeking a terminal MA en route to a wide range of careers in Southeast Asia, including employment in business, journalism, and various government and international organizations.
The Center for Southeast Asian Studies administers a formal graduate program in Southeast Asian studies and facilitates interdisciplinary study on Southeast Asia in intercollege, professional, and other degree programs throughout the university. The Southeast Asian studies program provides students with the opportunity to concentrate their study of this dynamic region in several disciplines and professional areas: anthropology, communications (journalism), development, education, economics, environmental studies, geography, history, linguistics, literature, music and dance (performing arts), political science, public health, religion, sociology, and urban and regional planning, as well as natural resources, business, and law, and public policy. Faculty expertise and library holdings are particularly strong for in-depth study of Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. The goal of the program is to provide students with a strong area and language background on Southeast Asia and to prepare them for a range of academic and professional careers.
Language study is a critical component in area studies, and the center encourages students to develop proficiency in at least one Southeast Asian language. During the academic year, instruction is offered through the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures in five Southeast Asian languages: Filipino (Tagalog), Hmong, Indonesian, Thai, and Vietnamese. Each language is offered at two or more levels of instruction, with advanced readings and literature courses available in Indonesian. The center also facilitates participation in the Southeast Asian Studies Summer Institute (SEASSI), which provides instruction during the summers at multiple levels in eight languages of the region: Burmese, Filipino, Hmong, Indonesian/Malaysian, Javanese, Khmer, Lao, Thai, and Vietnamese, and depending on enrollments, Javanese. Though SEASSI is hosted by the center and based in Madison, it is open to students from anywhere. More information is available on the SEASSI website.
Admissions
Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.
Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online.
| Fall Deadline | April 1 for international applicants; June 1 for domestic applicants |
| Spring Deadline | August 1 for international applicants; October 1 for domestic applicants |
| Summer Deadline | The program does not admit in the summer. |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) | Not required |
| English Proficiency Test | Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Requirements for Admission policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1241. |
| Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT) | n/a |
| Letters of Recommendation Required | 3 |
Application Materials
The required materials for the online application are:
- Statement of purpose
- Unofficial transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate study
- Three references
Applicants must demonstrate a level of proficiency in a Southeast Asian language equivalent to four semesters of the language. The program will verify proficiency acquired through heritage (nationality) or previous study.
In cases where deficiencies are identified, applicants must complete additional language courses during enrollment (chosen in consultation with advisor). These courses do not satisfy minimum degree requirements.
Funding
Graduate School Resources
The Bursar’s Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.
Program Resources
The center offers two graduate-level fellowships each year: Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) fellowships, funded by the U.S. Department of Education (Title VI); and Center Fellowships, funded by the center's Mellon endowment. Both fellowships provide full tuition and a monthly stipend and are awarded to deserving graduate students (in any discipline) with a strong commitment to the study of Southeast Asia. The center also provides Field Research Grants to be used to support doctoral dissertation and pre-dissertation research on Southeast Asia. Applicants for FLAS fellowships must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and must apply to study one of the languages offered during the academic year: Filipino, Hmong, Indonesian, Thai, or Vietnamese. Center fellowships are generally awarded by semester and are open to all graduate students committed to the study of Southeast Asia. Field Research Grants can be awarded to graduate students in any field of study. Applications for FLAS, Center Fellowships, and Field Research Grants can be obtained directly from the center's office (or downloaded from the website) and must be submitted, along with all supporting materials, by the first week of February each year.
The center also nominates eligible incoming graduate students in its MA program for two university-wide competitions: Advanced Opportunity Fellowships (for minority students) and University Fellowships (for students with outstanding academic records). In addition to these opportunities, other fellowships and financial assistance are available outside the center.
For further information, incoming graduate students should write directly to the appropriate department and to the Office of Student Financial Aid. For additional information on the fellowships offered by the center, consult the center's website.
Minimum Graduate School Requirements
Review the Graduate School minimum degree requirements and policies, in addition to the program requirements listed below.
Major Requirements
Mode of Instruction
| Face to Face | Evening/Weekend | Online | Hybrid | Accelerated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | No | No | No |
Mode of Instruction Definitions
Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.
Evening/Weekend: Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules. Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.
Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.
Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats. Contact the program for more specific information.
Online: These programs are offered 100% online. Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.
Curricular Requirements
| Minimum Credit Requirement | 30 credits |
| Minimum Residence Credit Requirement | 16 credits |
| Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement | 30 credits must be graduate-level coursework. Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Graduate Coursework (50%) Requirement policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1244. |
| Overall Graduate GPA Requirement | 3.00 GPA required. Refer to the Graduate School: Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1203. |
| Other Grade Requirements | n/a |
| Assessments and Examinations | To complete the MA program, students must write a research paper on Southeast Asia approved by and under the supervision of their faculty advisor; this paper must then be defended in an oral examination before three faculty members affiliated with the Center (their advisor and two others selected in consultation with their advisor). |
| Language Requirements | Students must demonstrate a level of proficiency in a Southeast Asian language equivalent to having successfully completed four semesters of the language. |
Required Courses
Students must complete thirty credits of area-content coursework. Specific course requirements are outlined below.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Field of Concentration | ||
| Students must complete 12 credits related to Southeast Asia in one field of concentration. This can be 12 credits from one department or 12 credits from an interdisciplinary field approved by the faculty advisor. See list below for example courses. Other courses may be chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor | 12 | |
| Two or more Fields Coursework | ||
| Students must complete the remaining 18 credits in two or more other fields. These courses are chosen in consultation with faculty advisor. | 18 | |
| Graduate Seminars (6 credits) | ||
| Students must complete at least 6 credits of graduate seminars. These seminars can be completed within the student's field of concentration, one or more other fields of coursework, or both requirements. | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Example Courses
Please contact the Center for Southeast Asian Studies for additional guidance on course selection.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANTHRO 310 | Topics in Archaeology (Archaeology of Southeast Asia) | 3 |
| ANTHRO 310 | Topics in Archaeology (Archaeology of Violence and Warfare) | 3 |
| ANTHRO 330 | Topics in Ethnology (Peoples and Cultures of Mainland Southeast Asia) | 3-4 |
| ANTHRO 330 | Topics in Ethnology (Film/Anthropology/Culture) | 3-4 |
| ANTHRO 490 | Undergraduate Seminar (Ancient States and Empires of East and Southeast Asia) | 3 |
| ASIAN 403 | Southeast Asian Literature | 3 |
| ASIAN 630 | Proseminar: Studies in Cultures of Asia | 3 |
| COM ARTS 310 | Topics in Rhetoric and Communication Science (Discourses of Dictators, Demagogues and Extremists) | 3 |
| COM ARTS 470 | Contemporary Political Discourse (Rhetoric of Modern Democratic Revoluations) | 3 |
| HISTORY/ASIAN/RELIG ST 308 | Introduction to Buddhism | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/ASIAN 319 | The Vietnam Wars | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/INTL ST 375 | The Cold War - From World War II to End of Soviet Empire | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 755 | Proseminar in Southeast Asian History (Empire and Revolution: US and European Empires in SE Asia) | 1-3 |
| HISTORY 755 | Proseminar in Southeast Asian History (CIA Covert Warfare and Conduct of US Foreign Policy) | 1-3 |
| HISTORY 755 | Proseminar in Southeast Asian History (U.S. and European Colonialism in Southeast Asia) | 1-3 |
Advanced Language
Up to 6 credits of Advanced Language (ASIALANG courses) may be applied toward the minimum degree requirements. Interdisciplinary courses may be taken from many departments. All courses applied toward the degree program must have at least 30% Southeast Asian content, demonstrated by lectures and readings, and/or by relevant writing assignments or a research paper.
Graduate School Policies
The Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures serve as the official document of record for Graduate School academic and administrative policies and procedures and are updated continuously. Note some policies redirect to entries in the official UW-Madison Policy Library. Programs may set more stringent policies than the Graduate School. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.
Major-Specific Policies
Prior Coursework
Graduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions
With program approval, students are allowed to transfer no more than 9 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions.
Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison
No credits from an undergraduate degree are allowed to transfer toward the degree.
Credits Earned as a Professional Student at UW-Madison (Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary careers)
Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.
Credits Earned as a University Special Student at UW–Madison
With program approval, students are allowed to transfer no more than 9 credits of coursework numbered 300 or above taken as a UW–Madison University Special student.
Probation
Refer to the Graduate School: Probation policy.
Advisor / Committee
Every graduate student is required to have an advisor. To ensure that students are making satisfactory progress toward a degree, the Graduate School expects them to meet with their advisor on a regular basis.
An advisor generally serves as the thesis advisor. In many cases, an advisor is assigned to incoming students. Students can be suspended from the Graduate School if they do not have an advisor. An advisor is a faculty member, or sometimes a committee, from the major department responsible for providing advice regarding graduate studies.
A committee often accomplishes advising for the students in the early stages of their studies.
As a multidisciplinary program, the student will not be assigned a faculty advisor until they have decided on the disciplinary approach for their research paper. Until that time, the Graduate Program Advisor (Michael Cullinane) will serve as the student's advisor in completing the program requirements and will assist in the selection of a faculty advisor.
Credits Per Term Allowed
15 credit maximum. Refer to the Graduate School: Maximum Credit Loads and Overload Requests policy.
Time Limits
Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.
Grievances and Appeals
These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:
- Bias or Hate Reporting
- Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
- Hostile and Intimidating Behavior Policies and Procedures
- Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
- Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
- Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
- Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
- Office Student Assistance and Support (OSAS) (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
- Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
- Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
- Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)
L&S Policy for Graduate Student Academic Appeals
Graduate students have the right to appeal an academic decision related to an L&S graduate program if the student believes that the decision is inconsistent with published policy.
Academic decisions that may be appealed include:
- Dismissal from the graduate program
- Failure to pass a qualifying or preliminary examination
- Failure to achieve satisfactory academic progress
- Academic disciplinary action related to failure to meet professional conduct standards
Issues such as the following cannot be appealed using this process:
- A faculty member declining to serve as a graduate student’s advisor.
- Decisions regarding the student’s disciplinary knowledge, evaluation of the quality of work, or similar judgements. These are the domain of the department faculty.
- Course grades. These can be appealed instead using the L&S Policy for Grade Appeal.
- Incidents of bias or hate, hostile and intimidating behavior, or discrimination (Title IX, Office of Compliance). Direct these to the linked campus offices appropriate for the incident(s).
Appeal Process for Graduate Students
A graduate student wishing to appeal an academic decision must follow the process in the order listed below. Note time limits within each step.
- The student should first seek informal resolution, if possible, by discussing the concern with their academic advisor, the department’s Director of Graduate Studies, and/or the department chair.
- If the program has an appeal policy listed in their graduate program handbook, the student should follow the policy as written, including adhering to any indicated deadlines. In the absence of a specific departmental process, the chair or designee will be the reviewer and decision maker, and the student should submit a written appeal to the chair within 15 business days of the academic decision. The chair or designee will notify the student in writing of their decision.
- If the departmental process upholds the original decision, the graduate student may next initiate an appeal to L&S. To do so, the student must submit a written appeal to the L&S Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Academic Affairs within 15 business days of notification of the department’s decision.
- To the fullest extent possible, the written appeal should include, in a single document: a clear and concise statement of the academic decision being appealed, any relevant background on what led to the decision, the specific policies involved, the relief sought, any relevant documentation related to the departmental appeal, and the names and titles of any individuals contributing to or involved in the decision.
- The Assistant Dean will work with the Academic Associate Dean of the appropriate division to consider the appeal. They may seek additional information and/or meetings related to the case.
- The Assistant Dean and Academic Associate Dean will provide a written decision within 20 business days.
- If L&S upholds the original decision, the graduate student may appeal to the Graduate School. More information can be found on their website: Grievances and Appeals (see: Graduate School Appeal Process).
Other
n/a
Professional Development
Graduate School Resources
Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of one or more regions of Southeast Asia, focusing on a research question(s), problem or case study situated within a broader analytic framework and knowledge of the cultures, religions, history, anthropology, geography, economics, literature, and/or languages within scholarship on Southeast Asia.
- Demonstrate proficiency in reading, speaking, and listening in one or more Southeast Asian languages, at least at the proficiency level of four semesters.
- Analyze and synthesize information and ideas within the context of interdisciplinary Southeast Asian studies.
- Understand, respond to, and construct arguments across disciplines relating to the study of Southeast Asia.
- Apply their knowledge to solutions of intellectual as well as practical problems.
- Recognize and apply principles of professional and ethical conduct.
- Conduct academic research using an appropriate range of social scientific and/or humanistic sources, methodologies, and critical theories.
- Communicate effectively in writing and orally.