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    University of California-Santa Barbara

    Master of Arts in Asian Studies

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Santa Barbara, USMAIn-person2 years
    $39,519.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    47%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    8
    Cohort
    students
    72
    Credits
    $155.00
    App fee

    Master of Arts in Asian Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara is a 72-credit, 2-year, in-person MA program based in Santa Barbara, US. Tuition is $39,519.

    About the program

    Emphasizes advanced language training in Chinese or Japanese as foundation for research on East Asian cultures, with coursework in humanities including history, literature, religious studies, anthropology, linguistics, and arts, plus social and cultural anthropology and sociology. Offers thesis track for PhD-bound students and exam track for other careers.

    Focus: both

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    Admissions

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Dec 10, 2026

    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    optional
    Min TOEFL internet-Based Test (iBT) total score of 4.0 (for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026) or 80 (for exams taken before January 21, 2026)
    IELTS
    optional
    Min IELTS Overall Band score of 7

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US)

    $21,000.00
    Annual living cost

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Arts in Asian Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Arts in Asian Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara is $39,519 across 72 required credits.
    Is Master of Arts in Asian Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara online or in-person?
    Master of Arts in Asian Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Arts in Asian Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara take to complete?
    Master of Arts in Asian Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara is structured around 2 years and 72 credits.
    How competitive is Master of Arts in Asian Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara?
    Master of Arts in Asian Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara reports an acceptance rate of approximately 47%.
    How large is the Master of Arts in Asian Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara cohort?
    Master of Arts in Asian Studies at University of California-Santa Barbara typically enrolls around 8 students per cohort.