Course Requirements

Nine courses are required for the degree, five of which must be graduate courses. Of the nine courses, at least five must be in the student's area of concentration including one survey course chosen in consultation with the Graduate Studies Chair. At least one course should be in a cultural area other than the area of concentration. No more than two courses in the 500 series may apply toward the nine courses and only one of these courses may be counted toward the minimum of five graduate courses required for the degree. Courses used to meet the language requirements do not apply toward the total course requirements. For a complete outline of degree requirements, see "Program Requirements for UCLA Graduate Degrees" available in the program office and on the Graduate Division homepage.

International students may also be required to take English as a Second Language 33A, 33B, 33C, 34, 36, or other English as a Second Language courses.

Language Requirements

A minimum of three years of an East Asian language, either Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, or demonstrated equivalency is required in addition to the nine courses required for the degree. The time to degree may be shortened by advanced placement or summer language study which could begin prior to commencing course work in the fall.

Comprehensive Examination Plan

The comprehensive examination consists of the submission of three research papers (at least one seminar and two upper division papers) and evaluation of them by the ad hoc committee chaired by the student's faculty advisor.