APPLY ONLINE NOW for Fall 2013 The M.A. in Asia Pacific Studies program starts each fall (late August). The priority application date for fall applicants is April 1.
Apply online and upload all required application documents listed below. Once all application items have been received, applications will be reviewed for admission and for a limited number of scholarships. It is best to apply as early as possible, before the deadline.
A Bachelor's degree in any field from a university-level institution.
A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher (on a scale of 4.0 as the highest) in a Bachelor's degree program.
Some general knowledge of the intellectual, social and cultural history of East Asia. Get a head start on material covered by the program by requesting a reading list of books on the Asia Pacific region by email at pacrim@usfca.edu or by phone at 415.422.6357.
- Online application and $55 application fee.
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Upload a copy of official transcripts from each university or college attended (university-level institutions only).
- Personal Essay - A 1500-2500 word description of why you are interested in this graduate program. Please include any related personal/life experiences, educational/intellectual and professional goals and background. If you have not had any coursework in Asian Studies, please describe how you acquired knowledge and interest in the region. For example, work experience, independent study, travel, family and/or other life experiences.
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation (at least one academic, if possible).
- If you are an international student you are required to upload three additional items: your TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score, a completed Certification of Finance form with supporting bank statements, and a copy of your passport photo/information page. Visit International Students for important details.
See the application instructions for more details about each item required in the application.
The GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is not required for this graduate program.
An official TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score is required of international applicants. A minimum TOEFL score of 100 (iBT) or 600 (PBT) is required, and 7.0 for the IELTS exam and 61 for the PTE exam. After review of an application, coursework in USF's Intensive English Program may be recommended or required. The GRE/TOEFL school code for USF is 6996 (select "Univ San Francisco Arts Sci Grad"). The TOEFL/GRE school code of 4850 can also be selected for USF.
A GPA (grade point average) of 3.0 or higher (on a scale of 4.0 as the highest score) in a Bachelor's degree program is required.
Start your application online and complete all required sections, including uploading required unofficial documents. All application items (for example, resume, official transcripts, English language test scores, and recommender information) must be uploaded before you submit your application. Once you submit, your application will be incomplete until your recommenders submit their online letter of recommendation. Check your online application frequently to monitor the status of your application.
When an application and all application items have been submitted and verified, then an application is complete and ready for admission review by the MAPS program. Completed applications on file at the time of the deadline will be given priority consideration for admission and financial assistance offered by the MAPS program. Applications are accepted and reviewed after the deadline until the upcoming program is full. Applicants are encouraged to submit all of their application items earlier than the date listed above.
Admission decisions are mailed 4-6 weeks after the April 1 deadline. Included in the admission decision letter is notification of any scholarship awarded by the graduate program. Applicants receive email notification when the admission decision is available online. Admitted applicants also receive an admission package in the mail. Once the class for the fall program is filled, later qualified applicants may be placed on a waiting list.
Please contact the MAPS Program office directly with questions about an admission decision after your application is complete.
If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you can begin the free application process for a U.S. federal student loan at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The USF federal school code for the FAFSA is 001325. All U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for $20,500 in U.S. federal student loans in each year of graduate studies, unless if a student has defaulted on a previous student loan. There is no application deadline for these loans, although students are encouraged to submit a FAFSA as soon as possible since the loan process can take eight weeks to complete.
For any financial assistance offered by the MAPS Program, all applicants (US domestic and international) will be considered and notified of such an award in the admission letter. There is no separate application for this assistance. International students, and U.S. students, can contact the One Stop/Financial Aid Office for other student loan programs available to graduate students.
Students must submit separate applications to both the MBA and MAPS programs. In the personal essay for each application, an applicant indicates that he or she intends to apply to both programs. For information on MBA application requirements visit the School of Management.
Upon notification of admission to both programs, an applicant must confirm their intent to enroll in the MBA/MAPS Concurrent Degree to the Director of the MBA program and the Director of the Asia Pacific Studies graduate program.
Please contact the Asia Pacific Studies graduate program at 415.422.6357 or at pacrim@usfca.edu for details.
Admitted students should contact the Asia Pacific Studies program for details about the advising and registration schedule in August. The Asia Pacific Studies graduate program can be contacted at 415.422.6357 or at pacrim@usfca.edu.
International students are highly recommended to arrive at USF at least 10 days before the first day of classes in the fall and spring in order to finalize housing arrangements and attend the required International Student Orientation. Details and dates about the International Student Orientation can be found at the International Student and Scholar Services website.
International students should note that the earliest arrival in the United States that an F-1 visa allows is 30 days before the start date on the I-20 form issued to you.
