The MAIS degree in Japan Studies offers students a chance to develop deeper knowledge and understanding of Japan through graduate-level study. Japan Studies is an interdisciplinary program that provides concentrated Japanese language and area training. The core curriculum is offered through the Jackson School and is supplemented by numerous classes on Japan in political science, history, Asian languages and literature, art and art history, drama, architecture, law, and business. The program is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of many facets of Japan, particularly contemporary and modern Japan. This opportunity for well-rounded study is enhanced by specialized training in areas of individual interest, allowing students to develop their academic skills and to pursue their professional goals.
The Japan Studies master's program is specifically designed 1) for students with BAs who need language and interdisciplinary training on Japan to pursue their career goals or who simply want to further their understanding of Japan, and 2) as preparation for PhD work in an academic discipline involving Japan. In conjunction with the Masters of International Studies (Japan) graduate degree program, the Michael G. Foster School of Business offers a concurrent degree for MBA/MAIS. Other concurrent programs can be arranged, including an MPA/MAIS combination with the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs. These three-year dual-degree programs combine professional training with a strong Japan background to prepare graduates for careers in business and government.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet basic UW Graduate School requirements, which include a 3.00 GPA for the last 90 quarter (60 semester) graded credits, a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, and submission of test results from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Applicants must also meet all application requirements and deadlines set by the Jackson School and described in its application guidelines. Please visit the Jackson School Graduate Program information pages for details and deadlines. Because this is a competitive program, however, meeting minimum standards does not ensure admission. Those with combined Verbal and Quantitative GRE scores of less than 1200 might want to consider taking the exam again. At least one year of prior training in Japanese language is strongly recommended.
Applicants to the concurrent MBA-MAIS degree, or to an individually
arranged concurrent degree program such as MPA-MAIS, must also meet all application requirements and deadlines for the
partner program.
Degree Requirements
All students must complete at least 36 credits in addition to fulfilling the language requirement. Generally, this program is completed within two years. The concurrent MBA-MAIS and MPA-MAIS programs require at least three years. Those enrolled in concurrent programs must meet the requirements of both the Japan Studies program and the other program; however, some course work is counted for both degrees.
Language Requirements
Students must complete Japanese language training through at least the third-year level and must earn at least 15 credits in Japanese language at the University of Washington. Those who enter the program with proficiency beyond the third-year level may continue language study through classes in fourth-year and classical Japanese, readings in Japanese in the social sciences, technical Japanese, or a variety of literature courses based on Japanese-language texts. Summer courses in intensive language training are offered at UW for beginning levels only.
Students enrolled in the Japan Studies MA program are also eligible to apply on a competitive basis for Tamaki Grants of up to $10,000 (although the amount awarded is usually less). These grants are typically awarded to fund summer language study in Japan between the first and second years of the program. JSIS students (including accepted incoming students) who are studying Japanese language and are US citizens are also eligible to apply for year-long and summer Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) awards.
Coursework
Required Courses:
Other coursework:
Students are required to complete 31 additional credits in discipline coursework including at least one course in history and one in the social sciences. With adviser approval, students may take a maximum of two courses not specifically focused on Japan that serve to fulfill a necessary disciplinary or professional component of their individual programs.
Final Papers and Oral Exam
Students take an Oral Exam after having completed two research papers or an Essay of Distinction.
Library Facilities
The University of Washington's Japan collection is one of the most important of its kind in the nation. The East Asia Library and the Law Library together house over 140,000 volumes of Japanese-language materials. The libraries on campus maintain an up-to-date collection of English- and European-language works in the humanities, social sciences, and art and a good collection of prewar and nineteenth-century books and periodicals.