East Asian Studies Programs

Graduate School
1

<p>I've somewhat dropped my intentions into another thread, but I figure I'm self-aggrandizing enough to create a new thread just for my needs.</p>

<p>Anyway, here's my situation. Just finished up UCLA, and will have just below or just above a 3.7 GPA. In other words, 3.7. That puts me in cum laude range, and I will also have completed College Honors. I started a senior thesis, but due to data constraints, had to stop prematurely (the data never surfaced to flesh out my theory. C'est la vie.) However, I have significant writing experience, and will have written at least two papers of 25-30 pages in length with a faculty advisor. </p>

<p>Now, for my experience in East Asia (or Northeast Asia, if you're part of the Wilson Center...) I have lived in Japan for six months and will have also put in another year or two through the JET Program. I completed a Japanese minor with a 3.5 GPA (ugh...this is my shame) and some Chinese with 3.7 overall. I have done every major research paper on either Japan or China, and have good faculty letters to back up my passion in the field.</p>

<p>I haven't taken the GRE quite yet (can't afford it at the moment, need a job first), but I have taken practice tests, and score 90th percentile and above in all measures I can accurately score myself. </p>

<p>I'm looking for a program that combines area studies with political science/political studies in order to improve my ability to market myself as an "Asian expert." My eventual goal is work in the civil service, such as State, CIA, NCIS (they have a program that sends you to Okinawa, which sounds simply delicious), or maybe even Embassy work. I am flexible with location, name brand, etc. Granted, I'd prefer a top 10 program because I believe I'm top 10 material, but if I need to ground myself, please be fair and constructive here. </p>

<p>Any advice? So far, I've been told that Columbia is a good choice, but to stay away from Cornell because it's an area studies focus, and too humanities-centered. Options are good, realistic options are even better. </p>

<p>So I'll sum myself up quantitatively:</p>

<p>3.7 overall GPA (I won't bother with hundredths)
3.7 major GPA
3.5 minor GPA
Good standardized scores expected (I know this is worth nothing, but let's work on the assumption.)
About 2+ years of real experience in Japan, maybe 1 in China on the way
College Honors</p>

<p>Let's hear some wisdom, because I'd love to benefit from it!</p>

2

<p>PhD programs?</p>

3

<p>Oh, go me. I manage to write a novel, but don't include my goal: An MA. I have no desire for a PhD right away, because I want to work in the public sector, not academia.</p>

4

<p>i know someone from SC going to the Columbia East Asian Studies as well.</p>

<p>I was considering getting my masters in that too as it's been an area of interest of mine (and am currently searching for a masters degree other than an MBA that i can get sooner after school) after/before interning in Japan perhaps next year.</p>

5

<p>Consider doing the JET Program. You may not want to teach, but JET offers a certain level of cache and support that other programs just can't match.</p>

6

<p>There are some good government jobs for East Asian Studies people. I don't know how many require a PhD.</p>