FAQs

A multi-disciplinary master’s degree in Regional Studies--East Asia is a springboard to many career directions. RSEA alumni go on to pursue careers in all sectors – public, private, and nonprofit – and in a broad variety of fields including public policy, law, business, management, journalism, and education. Many RSEA graduates live and work in Asia, as well as in North America and other regions.

While there is always variation between and among each cohort, typically about one-third of each graduating class go on to pursue a PhD program in their chosen discipline. Roughly another third of RSEA graduates enter positions in government or public service, or policy-oriented non-governmental organizations. Others go into business, consulting, and private sector companies, or pursue opportunities in education, museum curation, and journalism.

A background in East Asian studies is helpful but is not required to apply to the program. RSEA has admitted students with diverse academic backgrounds who have successfully completed the program.  However, an applicant with no background in an East Asian language will be required to devote extra time to language study in order to complete the academic requirements for the AM degree.

Incoming RSEA students with East Asian language ability, including native speakers, are required to take the Harvard Language Placement Exams to assess their language proficiency.  East Asian language proficiency results will be counted toward fulfillment of the RSEA language requirement.

RSEA does not accept language test scores or grades from outside institutions.

Your statement of purpose (SOP) should concisely state your academic background that motivates your proposed graduate research at Harvard.  Focusing on your intended research and area of study, your SOP should note how Harvard's resources will support your study.

No, it is not necessary to contact faculty. On the application you can indicate up to three "Faculty of interest" -- the professors whose work is in a similar vein to your intended academic pursuit while in RSEA.  

RSEA does require an academic writing sample.  The writing sample must be in English and should be limited to 20 pages (5,000 words). The writing sample may be an academic paper you have previously submitted to a class, or a part of your senior thesis. Ideally, the writing sample should focus on your proposed area of research and provide insight into your academic ability.

Letters from those who know you well academically are the most beneficial. Your recommenders need to be able to speak to your qualifications to succeed in graduate study.  Letters of recommendation should be written in English and submitted directly by the recommender as directed in the Harvard Griffin GSAS online application. Only three letters of recommendation should be submitted.

The RSEA office cannot upload any application materials to the online portal, nor can we accept any application materials outside of the application process.  Please contact the Harvard Griffin GSAS Admissions office (admiss@fas.harvard.edu) for assistance with submitting application materials. 

RSEA does not accept applications after the deadline has passed. 

There is limited funding available to RSEA master’s degree students and awards are solely based on academic merit. We recommend that all applicants apply for other sources of support outside of Harvard.

We welcome applications from military personnel. RSEA has a history of admitting military personnel into the program. We understand the financial commitment required and the time limitations given to our military applicants.