University of San Francisco

Asia Pacific Studies Graduate Program
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Asia Pacific Studies Graduate Program

Admission/How to Apply

Apply Online for Fall or Spring, or Request an Application Packet.

The M.A. in Asia Pacific Studies program starts each fall (late August) and spring (late January). The priority application dates are:

  • May 31 for fall applicants
  • December 1 for spring applicants

Completed applications on file at USF at that time will be given priority consideration for admission and financial assistance offered by the Asia Pacific Studies program. Applications are accepted and reviewed after these dates until the upcoming program is full. Applicants are encouraged to submit all of their application items earlier than the dates listed above.

The program is designed for the following groups of students:

  • Recent graduates from four-year universities or colleges
  • Professionals who are working full-time or part-time
  • International students

Admission Requirements

  • Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree in any field from a university-level institution.
  • A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher (on a scale of 4.0 as the highest) in a Bachelor's degree program.
  • Some general knowledge of the intellectual, social and cultural history of East Asia. Get a head start on material covered by the program by requesting a reading list of books on the Asia Pacific region by email at pacrim@usfca.edu or by phone at 415.422.6357.

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Required Application Items

  • Application form and fee of $55 payable to the University of San Francisco.
  • Please submit this form as early as possible in the application process.
  • An official transcript from each university or college attended (university-level institutions only).
  • Personal Essay - A 1500-2500 word description of why you are interested in this graduate program. Please include any related personal/life experiences, educational/intellectual and professional goals and background. If you have not had any coursework in Asian Studies, please describe how you acquired knowledge and interest in the region. For example, work experience, independent study, travel, family and/or other life experiences.
  • Resume (submit resume if applicable)
  • Two letters of recommendation (at least one academic, if possible)
  • An international student is required to submit her or his TOEFL score and a completed Certification of Finance form with supplemental bank statements (see International Students).

See the inside of the application for more details about each item required in the application. Submit these items to the University of San Francisco, Office of Graduate Admission, 2130 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA, 94117.

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Tests and GPA Requirements

The GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is not required for this graduate program.

An official TOEFL score is required of international applicants. A minimum TOEFL score of 92 (iBT), 232 (computer-based) or 580 (paper-based) is required. After review of an application, coursework in USF's Intensive English Program may be recommended or required. The USF school code for the GRE and the TOEFL is 4850.

A GPA (grade point average) of 3.0 or higher (on a scale of 4.0 as the highest score) in a Bachelor's degree program is required.

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Notification of Admission Decision

Once an application and all required documents are on file in the Office of Graduate Admission, an applicant will be notified of admission status by mail approximately three weeks later.

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Application Status

Once an application form is processed by USF, you will be mailed a web account so that you can check your application status online. Or you can contact Graduate Admission Records at 415.422.6613 or by email graduate@usfca.edu. Please allow three weeks for the processing of your application once all of your supporting documents have been received by USF.

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Financial Aid Application

All U.S. citizens and permanent residents (unless if you have defaulted on a previous student loan) are eligible for a low-interest, long-term federal student loan of $18,500 per year for graduate students. You can begin the free application process for a U.S. federal student loan at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The school code for USF is 001325. The Office of Financial Aid at USF can be reached by phone at 415.422.6303 or by email at finaid@usfca.edu.

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Asia Pacific Studies/MBA Joint Program — Application Process

Students must submit separate applications to both the MBA and MAPS programs. In the personal essay for each application, an applicant indicates that he or she intends to apply to both programs. For information on MBA application requirements visit the School of Business and Management.

Upon notification of admission to both programs, an applicant must confirm their intent to enroll in the MBA/MAPS Concurrent Degree to the Director of the MBA program and the Director of the Asia Pacific Studies graduate program.

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Certificate Program in Asia Pacific Studies — Application Process

Advising and Registration
Admitted students should contact the Asia Pacific Studies program for details about the advising and registration schedule in late August for fall students and in late January for spring applicants. The Asia Pacific Studies graduate program can be contacted at 415.422.6357 or at pacrim@usfca.edu.

International students are highly recommended to arrive at USF at least 10 days before the first day of classes in the fall and spring in order to finalize housing arrangements and attend the required International Student Orientation. Contact the Office of International Student Services for details and dates about the International Student Orientation at iss@usfca.edu.

International students should note that the earliest arrival in the United States that an F-1 visa allows is 30 days before the start date on the I-20 form issued to you.

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