Asian American Studies, M.A.
Master of Arts
About this program
The Master of Arts in Asian American Studies prepares students to research and address issues facing Asian American communities. The program builds on a legacy of activism and scholarship, connecting students with faculty and community leaders. Students explore education, history, law, gender and more while developing critical research and analytical skills. With faculty mentorship, they conduct original research and engage in interdisciplinary scholarship, preparing for careers in education, policy, advocacy and other fields.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
From Our Comunity
Getting my Asian American Studies Master's degree at SF State has totally transformed how I perceive the world and my place in it. I have been nurtured by the affirmation and deep love of mentors and fellow students at SF State with whom I am critically reimagining relationships with land, ancestors and community in our pursuit of collective liberation.
Program Scope
The Master of Arts degree in Asian American Studies is designed, through disciplinary and interdisciplinary inquiries and analyses of Asian American history, literature and the arts, gender and family studies, as well as community studies, to provide students with a critical knowledge of the diverse Asian American population. Students in Asian American Studies are encouraged to study a modern Asian language other than English.
Our students are social activists who make a difference in their communities.
Join a collaborative and diverse community of students, internationally renowned faculty and leaders in the largest U.S. Asian American Studies program. We carry on the mission of our founding activities to address social inequities, encourage self-determination and serve our diverse Asian American communities.
Our graduate students apply critical pedagogies and theories to conduct original research that advances the field of Asian American Studies. With personalized faculty mentorship, graduate students learn to engage in interdisciplinary scholarship in many sub-disciplines, including education, gender studies, sexuality studies, history, law, behavioral science and more.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Gain an interdisciplinary understanding of the histories, cultures, and racialization of Asian Americans.
- Apply course concepts and critical theories and methodologies to identify the structural and ideological forces that shape the lives of Asian Americans.
- Apply the skills and knowledge acquired toward the self-determination and empowerment of Asian American communities.
- Develop values of social justice, equity, activism, and respect for differences.
- Construct evidence-based and persuasive oral and written arguments with proper citations and support from multiple forms of knowledge, including community and academic resources, that communicate what students have discovered.
Hear What Makes This Program Unique
A Low-Residency Program
Since 2022, our M.A. program has been offered in a low-residency format. Under this model, core M.A. courses are taught online, allowing students to pursue their studies while working, engaging in community organizing, or participating in activism from wherever they live. At the same time, to foster a strong sense of community among students, faculty, and staff, incoming and continuing M.A. cohorts meet in person at the beginning of each academic year and on several other occasions throughout the year for community-building activities, workshops, and other program events."
Admissions Information
Submit a personal statement summarizing:
- How the M.A. in AAS will contribute to your personal and professional goals;
- How your background prepares you for a graduate degree in AAS;
- Your record of community service or student activism;
- Your research topic(s) or specific area(s) of interest; and
- How your research topic(s) or specific area(s) of interest align with those of our current faculty expertise.
Submit a writing sample demonstrating:
- Research
- Writing
- Analytical skills
Submit a copy of all transcripts (in addition to the set submitted to Graduate Studies)
- Demonstrate undergraduate proficiency equivalent to three of the following five Asian American Studies courses offered at SF State: AAS 320, AAS 330, AAS 350, AAS 360, AAS 370 and AAS 510. The student may be required to take additional courses to meet the minimum requirements and to seek additional program advising.
Submit two letters of recommendation (at least one from a faculty member).
Priority Deadline: March 1st
Rolling Deadline: after March 1st
Please note, there is no Spring Admission.
Ready to apply? Visit the Graduate Students page to get started.
We’re Here to Help
Questions about the program or how to apply? Don’t hesitate to reach out.