UC Berkeley Journalism - Program

Concurrent Program in Journalism and Asian Studies

The concurrent degree in Journalism and Asian Studies is designed to provide academic and professional training to students who aspire to work as journalists in Asia or covering Asia. The combined program allows you to earn an M.J. and an M.A. in three years rather than the three and one-half or four years it would take to earn each degree separately.

The M.A. in Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary degree drawing on the faculty from many departments on campus such as Anthropology, Comparative Literature, Geography, Philosophy and Political Science. The program is subdivided into four regional areas: East Asia (China), Northeast Asia (Japan and Korea), South Asia, and Southeast Asia. The M.J. in Journalism is a professional degree that prepares you to work as a journalist, in print, radio, new media, documentary film or television.

The M.A. in Asian Studies offers two academic plans. Plan I (Thesis) requires a minimum of three years of course work in an Asian language, a minimum of six courses (at least 20 units) in a regional area, and a Master's thesis. Plan II (Comprehensive Exams) requires a minimum of three years of course work in an Asian language, eight courses (at least 24 units) in a regional area, 2 seminar papers and a final comprehensive examination. The Group in Asian Studies will accept two journalism courses toward the M.A. with the approval of advisers in both programs.

The M.J. in Journalism requires a minimum of 36 units in total (24 of which must be earned in graduate journalism courses), and a Master's Project. The Graduate School of Journalism will accept three courses that overlap with Asian Studies toward the M.J.

You must apply to both departments and must list both JOURNALISM and ASIAN STUDIES under "Proposed Department" on Form A of your application and at the top of subsequent pages. Applications must be postmarked by the December deadline for admission. Submit the UC Berkeley Application for Admission and Fellowships to the Group in Asian Studies. Submit a copy of this application to the Journalism department along with the required Journalism supplemental application and three samples of your journalistic work. The School of Journalism also requires an interview for selected applicants and will contact them directly to make these arrangements. (Note: Not all applicants are invited to interview.)

Transcripts

You should request two sets of official academic transcripts and have one set sent to each department.

Standardized Tests

The GRE is required for all applicants to the concurrent program and international applicants must ALSO submit TOEFL scores. Official scores must be received in our offices by the first week of January. GRE scores more than five years old are not acceptable. TOEFL scores more than two years old are not acceptable. Official GRE score reports should be sent to both departments by the ETS. For the GRE use institution code R4833 and department codes 2201 and 4503 to have the scores sent to both Asian Studies and Journalism. For the TOEFL, use institution code 4833.

Letters Of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required for each application. Your recommenders may send an original to Asian Studies and a copy to Journalism. Or, you may choose to have your recommender submit separate letters that specifically address the criteria of each department.

Statement Of Purpose

In your Statement of Purpose, be sure to state your purpose in applying for the concurrent program and explain how the program will assist you with your professional and academic goals.

Admission decisions are made separately. You may be admitted to the concurrent program, or you may be admitted to either Asian Studies or Journalism depending on your qualifications in each field. Although you must submit two applications for the joint program, you only have to pay one application fee.

Contact each department to get more detailed information on entrance requirements, application procedures, and curriculum and degree requirements. You must comply with the policies and requirements of both departments, and we suggest you clarify this information well in advance of the filing deadlines.

The Graduate School of Journalism and the Graduate Group in Asian Studies welcome your application.

For further information contact:

Graduate School of Journalism
121 North Gate Hall, #5860
Berkeley, CA 94720-5860
510-642-3383 phone
510-643-9136 fax
E-Mail

The Graduate Group in Asian Studies
2223 Fulton Street, Room 524
Berkeley, CA 94720-2318
510-642-0333 phone
510-643-7062 fax
asianst@berkeley.edu