Can you tell me about the Requirements for Master of Arts in South Asia Studies Program offered by South Asian Studies of Columbia University?

The MA in South Asia Studies by South Asian Studies of Columbia University is a flexible program that offers students an interdisciplinary curriculum that may be tailored to their individual interests over one or two years of study.

The curriculum combines core seminars with a specialization (at least four courses) in a single discipline and electives in an array of fields across Columbia University.

In addition to specializations in disciplines such as Anthropology, Art History, Earth and Environmental Sciences, History, Literature, Music, Political Science, Religion, and Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, the program offers the opportunity to develop a specialization that includes courses in one of Columbia’s professional schools, including the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Public Health, Journalism, and Law.


Requirements for the Master of Arts in South Asia Studies

South Asian Studies students must complete 30 credit points, including the thesis, to graduate. All courses must be at the graduate level (4000 or higher). All courses must be approved by the MA coordinator.

Specific degree requirements are:

1. An introductory course addressing the history, culture, religion, or politics of South Asia

2. Four courses (12-16 points) in a single discipline or an area of specialization (may include one independent study)

5. Elective courses (6 - 12 points) in South Asian Studies

6. Final master's thesis completed in the final term and registered under SASS GR5990 Research Seminar or SASS GR5999 Supervised Individual Research

There is no language requirement for the South Asian Studies M.A. degree. Only Advanced language courses at the 4000-level (advanced or higher) in Bengali, Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, or Urdu may count toward the MA degree.


Contact Detail:
Columbia University
South Asian Studies
606 W 122nd St, New York, NY 10027, United States
Phone: +1 212-854-2556