4+1 Programs in Asian and Asian American Studies
The 4+1 Degree Programs are designed for outstanding Binghamton University students who wish to combine a Bachelor of Arts degree with a Master of Arts in Asian and Asian American Studies or a Master of Public Administration degree. MA track students can choose between major fields; Chinese Studies, Japanese Studies, Korean Studies, South Asia Studies, Asian American and Diaspora Studies, Global Asia Studies.
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Asian and Asian American Studies BA + MA
The department offers students the opportunity to complete both the BA and MA in five (5) years. The MA part of the program consists of six fields: Chinese Studies, Japanese Studies, Korean Studies, South Asia Studies, Asian American and Diaspora Studies, Global Asia Studies.
Prior to their senior year, students must complete 96 credits that meet all of the undergraduate requirements for Harpur College including upper-level writing and general education courses plus all but 12 credits needed for the major. During the senior year, students will complete 12 credits in the major and the remaining 20 credits needed for the undergraduate degree, which will be satisfied by graduate level DAAAS MA coursework.
Students should apply for the 4+1 program in the third semester, and no later than the beginning of the junior year. Admission decisions for the 4+1 program will be made no later than spring of the junior year. Application and admissions processes are through the Graduate School and the Department of Asian and Asian American Studies. The AAAS B.A-M.A. 4+1 program will restrict admissions to students with exceptional academic records; normally, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better in the AAAS undergraduate program is required. Students must submit a personal statement, official transcript(s), the name of one professor who may serve as references, a recommendation letter from a faculty member and a writing sample. The student will be evaluated based on the quality of the personal statement, grades, references, writing sample, and interview. Upon acceptance to the program, students will be advised that there are further requirements: successful completion of the B.A. and all Harpur and Gen Ed requirements by the end of the 4th year; graduate course requirements; a "B" or better in all graduate coursework and satisfactory completion of the thesis and thesis defense.
Once admitted, students will be required to fulfill all the normal requirements for the AAAS B.A. and M.A. degrees, with the exception that 12 credits of the 500-level courses will count for both the B.A. requirements and the M.A. requirements. Course offerings in the AAAS B.A.-M.A. 4+1 program will coincide with the normal offerings of the existing AAAS B.A. and M.A. Programs.
Language Requirements
The first three fields (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean Studies) require that students reach proficiency in the corresponding Asian language through the third-year level of study by the time of completion of the M.A.
For the South Asia field, the normal expectation is that the students will have proficiency through the second-year level in an Asian language relevant to their thesis topic. This requirement can be waived in particular cases, based on the student's individual program of study.
The Asian American and Diaspora Studies field and the Global Asia field have no specific language requirement, but if a particular language is relevant to the student's study plan, that student will be expected to develop competence in that language by the time of completion of the M.A.
Proficiency levels can be satisfied in one of two ways: transcript with the equivalent of 6 semesters (as outlined above) of college-level study of a single language with grade of B or better, or a proficiency examination administered by DAAAS faculty.
Thesis Requirements
A thesis is required for all fields. A provisional advisor is assigned when students enroll. Students must select a permanent thesis advisor by the end of the seventh semester. The thesis committee consists of the thesis advisor and at least two other faculty members. An oral thesis defense is also required.
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Asian and Asian American Studies BA + MPA
The department offers students the opportunity to complete both a bachelor of arts (BA) and a master of public administration (MPA) in five (5) years. In order to qualify for the 4+1 program, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5.
In addition:
Prior to their senior year, students must complete 96 credits that meet all of the undergraduate requirements, including Writing and General Education plus all but 12 credits needed for the major. During the senior year, students will complete 12 credits in the major and the remaining 20 credits needed for the undergraduate degree, which will be satisfied by graduate level MPA coursework.Students should apply for the 4+1 degree program no later than the beginning of the junior year, and admission decisions for the 4+1 program will be made no later than spring of the junior year. Application and admissions processes are through the Department of Public Administration and the Graduate School. Upon acceptance to the program, students will need to successfully complete the BA in year four (including all General Education and major requirements); a "B" or better in all graduate courses; and satisfactory demonstration of skill and competency before placement in internships.
Once admitted, the student must take 20 credits of course work in the Department of Public Administration program during their senior year. These double-count as undergraduate elective credits and MPA credits. That work constitutes the baccalaureate degree.
The fifth year is devoted to graduate coursework to complete the master's degree. All requirements of the master's program must be met, including maintaining a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA for graduate work.
Additional information about this fast-track BA-MPA program is available on the 4+1 program page on the Department of Public Administration website.
Save Time & Money
Typically, earning a master's degree takes two years. But with Binghamton University's 4+1 programs, you can earn your master's degree with just one extra year of classes. You'll finish both your bachelor's degree and your master's degree in a total of five years.
By choosing a 4+1 program, you'll save a full year of tuition dollars. Plus, you'll pay undergraduate tuition rates for your graduate classes during your fourth (senior) year.
How does it work?
You complete most of the coursework for your bachelor's degree in your first three years.
In your fourth year, you take both bachelor's- and master's-level courses, graduate with your bachelor's degree and formally apply to the Graduate School. In your fifth year, you are admitted to the Graduate School and focus solely on graduate coursework.
Take the Binghamton experience to the next level. Plan your coursework early and apply for an 4+1 degree program.
Questions?
Sungdai Cho
Director, Center for Korean Studies; Professor, Korean and Linguistics; Professor, Korean and Linguistics; Graduate Director
Center for Korean Studies; The Linguistics Program; Department of Asian and Asian American Studies
