The Department of History offers opportunities to study the history of East Asia, with scholars on the faculty active in teaching courses and conducting research in the history of China and of Japan. The Department offers an undergraduate history major with East Asian emphasis as well as a Ph.D. program in history. Students interested in M.A. level work in East Asian history should investigate the Interdisciplinary M.A. Program in East Asian Studies.
Faculty who teach and research East Asian History
BA/MA Program in History/East Asian Studies
The Department of History and the Interdisciplinary M.A. Program in East Asian Studies offer a combined B.A./M.A. program for students who want to advance their ability to engage East Asian cultures and societies as rapidly as possible in preparation for careers in government, business, education or work in Ph.D. programs.
Preliminary Steps in Applying for Graduate Admissions in East Asian History
Students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in East Asian History through The Ohio State University Department of History should be aware of several considerations:
1. In considering applications each year we offer admission to those students who have a firm grounding in history, with background in East Asian studies (often, but not necessarily including history), and at least one East Asian language, usually Chinese or Japanese. Since students often acquire appropriate background through a combination of academic training, travel and work experience, it is not possible to provide a definitive list of appropriate background criteria. We strongly encourage potential applicants to contact at least one East Asian historian in the department to discuss your preparation for entry into our graduate program (by e-mail, phone, or letter).
2. Applying to graduate school is quite different from applications you made to an undergraduate program; it is the first step in a professional career. As such, we encourage students to discuss their application with an appropriate OSU faculty member well in advance of submission of an application. Faculty can provide advice on the kinds of materials that students should submit, the issues they should address in personal statements, etc.
3. Bear in mind that it is extremely unusual for our Department of History to admit students for only a Master's degree. If you are uncertain about whether you want to apply for a Ph.D., or if you want additional academic experience in the field of East Asian Studies prior to applying for admission to a Ph.D. program, you may wish to apply for the Interdisciplinary M.A. Program in East Asian Studies offered under the auspices of the East Asian Studies Center. This program offers students the opportunity to improve their language skills and take courses in a variety of disciplines taught by the same outstanding faculty that teaches in our Ph.D. programs. Please feel free to discuss this opportunity with East Asian Studies faculty in the Department of History.
Other Useful Links
East Asia
East Asian Online Books
China
Modern Chinese Literature and Culture