Master of Arts in Asia Pacific Studies (MAPS) Admission Requirements

The unique MAPS curriculum accommodates the interests and needs of anyone wanting to engage expert instructors as well as their fellow learners in a graduate-level survey of the ideas and events that lie behind both the cultural continuity and economic dynamism of the contemporary Asia Pacific region.

However, this level of study does assume that you have a general knowledge of the intellectual, social, and cultural history of East Asia. This familiarity is important because the program challenges you to take part in comparative analyses of the region's history, politics, economics, arts, and culture. (Download a reading list of books that can give you a head start on the material covered in the program.)

If you do not have any formal educational background in Asian Studies, you should use the personal essay in the application to describe how you acquired your knowledge of and/or interest in the region; e.g., through work and professional contacts, travel, independent study, family heritage, or other life experience.

Admission to the MAPS program requires:

• a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning;
• a minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale;
• an official transcript of all your previous undergraduate and graduate work;
• two letters of recommendation (one professional, one academic, if possible);
• a personal essay of 1500 to 2500 words describing your reasons for pursuing a Master's degree in Asia Pacific Studies at USF;
• a copy of your resumé describing any work experience you have.

FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:

• an officially-reported TOEFL score (minimum: 580 paper; 232 CBT) unless you hold a BA degree from a college or university where English is the main language of instruction;
• a Certificate of Finances.

Admission to the CAPS (Certificate) program requires:

• a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning;
• a minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale;
• an official transcript of all your previous undergraduate and graduate work;
• one letter of recommendation (academic, if possible);
• a personal essay of approximately 500 words describing your reasons for pursuing the Certificate in Asia Pacific Graduate Studies at USF;
• a copy of your resumé describing any work experience you have.

NOTE that the CAPS program is not open to international students due to INS visa restrictions.

New graduates from four-year colleges and universities, 'non-traditional' students who have been out of school for some time, and international students, are all encouraged to apply.

Applications may be submitted at any time during the academic year for either Fall or Spring entry. Applications are considered on an ongoing basis until a given cohort is filled (maximum class size = 20). Applicants will be officially informed of admission into the program within 10 days after their completed application has been received. See the Application page for more details.