University of Colorado Boulder

What you'll study

The MA in East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics combines advanced language training with seminars in literature, culture and linguistic analysis. Students normally choose a primary language focus (Chinese, Japanese or Korean) and build a programme of study from courses such as advanced language and composition, modern and classical literature, translation studies, sociolinguistics, syntax and phonology, historical linguistics, and language pedagogy.

Programme formats typically include both a thesis (research) track and a non-thesis (project or coursework) track. Typical components are:

• Advanced language courses to raise reading, writing and speaking proficiency and prepare for specialist research or professional use.
• Graduate seminars in modern and classical literatures, film and cultural studies, and contemporary cultural topics in East Asia.
• Linguistics modules covering theoretical approaches (syntax, phonology, morphology), applied areas (second language acquisition, language pedagogy) and sociolinguistic perspectives relevant to East Asian languages.
• Research methods and field methods courses to prepare students for thesis work or independent research projects.
• Capstone options including a supervised master's thesis, a practicum or a substantial project depending on the chosen track.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Admissions typically consider the following materials:

• Academic transcripts demonstrating strong performance in undergraduate study.
• Statement of purpose outlining academic and professional goals and how the MA will support them.
• Letters of recommendation (usually two or three) from academic or professional referees.
• Writing sample or research sample, particularly for applicants intending to pursue the thesis track.
• Language background — prior coursework in the chosen East Asian language strengthens applications; some tracks expect intermediate-level proficiency on entry, while others accept beginners with a clear plan for language study.
• English proficiency evidence for applicants whose first language is not English (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS), in line with university requirements.

Specific programme expectations and permitted entry routes (including whether GRE scores are required) are set by the department; prospective students should consult the department admissions page and contact graduate advisors with questions about qualifications and placement.

Career prospects

Graduates from this MA programme move into a range of careers that leverage advanced language ability, regional knowledge and analytical skills. Common paths include:

• Further academic study (PhD) in linguistics, literature, area studies or related humanities and social sciences.
• Language teaching at K–12, community or tertiary levels, including preparation for certification where relevant.
• Translation and interpretation, localisation or editing for publishing and media organisations.
• Work in government, diplomacy, intelligence or international NGOs where regional expertise and language skills are critical.
• Positions in cultural institutions, museums, international business, and global non-profit organisations that engage with East Asia.
• Roles in curriculum development, language assessment, educational technology and language program administration.

Why study at University of Colorado Boulder

The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures at CU Boulder offers a collegial environment with strengths across language instruction, literary scholarship and linguistic research. Students benefit from close faculty mentoring, opportunities to work on original research, and access to cross-campus resources such as the Center for Asian Studies, specialised library collections, and interdisciplinary programmes in linguistics, anthropology and international affairs.

Boulder’s campus encourages collaboration across units, and the department’s ties with regional and campus-wide initiatives support study abroad, internships and community language programmes. Graduate students may also compete for teaching assistantships and research funding administered through the department and the university.