Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
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Washington University in St. Louis - Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures - Overview
An Early Leader in East Asian Studies
Washington University in St. Louis is a medium-sized, independent university known for its commitment to excellence in learning. Established in 1853, it offers more than 90 programs leading to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
The East Asian studies (EAS) program is part of the College of Arts and Sciences at the university. The EAS program is one of the oldest institutions in the nation for the study of China, Japan, and Korea, training East Asian specialists for almost 50 years.
Focused Studies
As part of the department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, in the College of Arts and Sciences, East Asian studies focuses on 3 geographical areas: China, Korea, and Japan.
Included in this field of study is an examination of the interplay of tradition and modernity that is characteristic of China, Korea, and Japan. Students receive a rich foundation in the languages, culture, history, and significant social institutions that define East Asia.
The Master of Arts and Joint Professional Degrees
Washington University offers a Master of Arts in East Asian Studies as well as 2 joint professional degree programs in East Asian studies. Students may earn a JD/MA or an MBA/MA for careers in secondary education, law, business, government, and private agencies whose work involves East Asian affairs.
All 3 graduate programs emphasize advanced language proficiency and knowledge of East Asian history and culture. Each program also has a core seminar required of all students, and expects substantial original research and writing.
The joint degree programs in East Asian studies combine coursework from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Law, and the Olin School of Business -- all nationally recognized centers of cross-disciplinary and international training.
Graduate Programs in East Asian Studies
The master's degree in East Asian studies requires 10 courses, with no more than 12 credits of modern language counting toward the degree. To complete the M.A., students must achieve third year competence in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean or demonstrate its equivalence.
This degree may be completed in 3 semesters although many students remain for a fourth semester to complete a second full year of language study.
Joint JD/MA Program in Law and East Asian Studies
The Joint JD/MA program in law and East Asian studies combines the law school's regular curriculum and its strengths in international and Asian legal studies with the interdisciplinary offerings of the master's program in East Asian studies.
Dual MBA/MA
The dual MBA/MA program in business and East Asian studies offers a Master of Arts degree in conjunction with a Master of Business Administration from Olin School of Business. This program is designed for students who want to develop an expertise in business systems and management within an East Asian context.
The MBA degree and the MA degree are pursued simultaneously ensuring that the cross-disciplinary training is fully integrated.
Special Programs, Events, and Seminars for EAS Students
The East Asian studies program at Washington University in St. Louis hosts several special speaker events, seminars, and colloquium series led by university experts and by invited East Asian scholars from around the world.
There are 3 different lecture series on topics ranging from Chinese legal studies and Asian economics to East Asian history and civilization as well as Asian art and architecture.
The Joint Center for East Asian Studies Colloquium presents 2 colloquia annually around a single theme. Themes have included international political economy, education and society, science and technology, women in East Asia, and political transitions in East Asia.
Cultural and Multicultural St. Louis
The city of St. Louis is home to more than 2.5 million people and offers many opportunities in sports, recreation, and cultural events.
Forest Park, opened in 1876, is one of the largest urban parks in the nation -- 500 acres larger than Central Park in New York. The park is within walking distance of campus.
St. Louis is a multicultural city. Japanese and Chinese cultures are honored at the Missouri Botanical Gardens, which is the oldest botanical garden in continuous operation in the nation.