Course Requirements
An interdisciplinary understanding of transnational Asia can help build a sense of broad trends and ideas from many different perspectives. When students apply for an Advanced Certificate in Transnational Asia, they will work with the Asian Studies Center advisor to choose an appropriate theme. Students will, for their remaining semesters, take a minimum of five courses (15 credits) approved by the Asian Studies Academic Advisor to fit around the theme. Popular themes include: Asian Diaspora Studies (including Asian American Studies), Asian Public Health, Transnational Asian Popular Culture, Transnational Supply Chains, and many others. Thus, students seeking the Certificate of Advanced Transnational Asia must fulfill the following requirements:
A minimum of five upper-level courses or graduate seminars dealing with the mentioned theme, in at least two departments. The five courses must include one seminar outside the student’s major department. Courses for the certificate are allowed to count towards other credentials (i.e. majors, minors, certificates).
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Language Proficiency Requirements
Demonstrate proficiency in reading and speaking approved Asian language(s) related to the chosen theme. Students must complete one of the two language tracks to earn the Advanced Transnational Asia Certificate:
Track A: Proficiency in an Asian Language equivalent to three years of college courses, relevant to the certificate theme. This can be fulfilled by 6 semesters of college language courses or proficiency proven via examination.
Track B: Proficiency in an Asian Language equivalent to two years of college courses and proficiency equivalent to one year in a comparative language relevant to the certificate theme. This requirement can be fulfilled by coursework at the college level, university language management,
and/or proficiency proven via examination.
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Capstone: Research Paper, Presentation, or Project
· Students must submit a significant research paper, project, or presentation to represent their work in the theme mentioned above in the previous section. Papers must demonstrate engagement with issues, regional concerns, and/ or languages of that theme. They can be used to complete departmental requirements for a graduate degree and the certificate, but it must include research using the student’s approved Asian language. Students should consult with the advisor for Asian Studies about questions regarding the research paper, presentation, or project.
· GPA requirement is 3.0 for all courses to be counted towards the Asian Studies Certificate.
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Financial Assistance
Asian Studies Certificate Students are eligible for various scholarships. For information, visit https://www.ucis.pitt.edu/asc/students/grad-funding
