Overview

The Asian American Studies programme at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) offers a comprehensive Master of Arts degree designed for deep academic inquiry. This curriculum provides students with an interdisciplinary analytical lens to explore the historical and cultural experiences of Asian and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

The graduate training focuses on equipping scholars with theoretical and conceptual tools for critical thinking and rigorous analysis. Students are guided in research that utilises written texts, electronic media, and visual objects as primary mediums. The department emphasises the complementary relationship between academic scholarship and community-based work.

Why Asian American Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)?

The department is situated near several allied research centres, including the Center for Southeast Asian Studies and the Institute of American Cultures. These institutional links offer distinct advantages for collaborative research and interdisciplinary networking. Students benefit from a participatory model of pedagogy that emphasises fieldwork and collective efforts.

Facilities and resources at the university support diverse research methods, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The programme also hosts regular lectures by distinguished guest speakers to discuss the future development of the field. Proximity to departments like Gender Studies and Chicana/o Studies further enriches the academic environment.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 36297 per year
National fee: USD 36297 per year
Local fee: USD 21115 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of 11 required courses, including core subjects and breadth requirements taken outside the department. Modules may include:

Critical Race Theory
Environmental Justice
Queer Diaspora
Food Culture
Social Documentary
South-North Relations in Literature
Civil Engagement
Asian American Religion
Digital Media and Informatics

Careers with Asian American Studies

Graduates are prepared for professional roles in both the private and public domains, focusing on community-based advocacy and research. The programme provides a strong foundation for those intending to pursue careers with community organisations and social agencies. Many students also use the Master of Arts as a stepping stone toward doctoral research or academic positions.

The training in critical analysis and field research is highly applicable to roles in public policy, social welfare, and public health. By combining academic rigour with practical application, the university ensures graduates can influence contemporary social issues. Alumni often find success in sectors requiring expertise in ethnic studies and cultural informatics.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Historical Perspectives on Asian and Pacific Islander American Communities

Critical Approaches to Emerging Issues in Asian and Pacific Islander American Studies

Critical Issues in Asian and Pacific Islander American Literature and Culture

Critical Issues in Asian and Pacific Islander American Studies Methods

Asian American Research Methods

Asian American Jurisprudence

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

44 alternative credits

Quarter Unites

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Beverly Hills, United States

Disciplines

Ethnic Studies American and Australasian studies Asian studies View 50 other Masters in Ethnic Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants are also expected to present evidence of their previous interest in Asian American Studies, such as courses taken at the undergraduate level, research papers written independently or for related classes, or work experience in an Asian or Pacific Islander American community

Statement of Purpose: should address your reasons for pursuing an M.A. degree in Asian American Studies, past and present experiences within the field, and your involvement with the Asian American community. The statement of purpose should be approximately 1-page (500-word limit)

Writing Sample

Three letters of recommendation are required

Transcripts

GRE scores are not required for the application, but if they are submitted, they may be evaluated with your entire file

All international applicants whose first language is NOT English are required to certify their proficiency in English

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

36297 USD / year

≈ 36297 USD / year
Out-of-State

36297 USD / year

≈ 36297 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

21115 USD / year

≈ 21115 USD / year

Living costs

Beverly Hills

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Asian American Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Beverly Hills

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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