Application Checklist

Questions?
Please direct any questions regarding the Masters in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies program to amesgrad@umn.edu

To apply to the 2 year Master of Arts in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies program you must complete the online application, completing the required fields and uploading the materials described below.

Required Fields:

  • Personal information
  • Application information
  • Educational background/Transcripts
  • Languages
  • Awards & activities
  • Employment/residence information
  • Financial support
  • Applicant statement (see below for description)
  • Writing sample
  • Letters of recommendation (two letters)
  • Language proficiency exam (for MA Plan C applicants. Exam will be administered by the Department after completion of the application as a requirement for admission)
  • Admission for the Language Pedagogy track (Plan C) requires Advanced Low ACTFL proficiency, determined by an oral interview with the Director of Language Instruction for the relevant language
If applying for the Integrated BA/MA program:
  • Personal information
  • Application information
  • Transcripts
  • Languages
  • Awards & activities
  • Employment/residence information
  • Financial support
  • Applicant statement (see below for description)
  • Writing sample

Application Fee

  • A separate application fee must accompany each program application for admission.
  • The application fee cannot be waived nor deferred, and is non-refundable.
  • Pay the application fee by using a valid credit card. Visa, Discover, American Express and MasterCard are accepted. Debit cards may also work, but are not as reliable as credit cards.

Transcripts

Attach unofficial transcripts or academic records directly to the online application. International students should also attach an English translation if the transcript is not in English. Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcripts. There is no need for official transcripts or academic records for initial review. If you are admitted, the University will then request official copies of this material.
 
 

English Language Test Scores (IELTS and TOEFL)

Official scores for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are preferred, but if that test is unavailable, scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) will be accepted. Please note that we will not admit any students whose test scores are below the minimum levels determined by the Graduate School. Scores should be entered in the Test Information-Self-Reported field in the application.
 
 
English Language Test Scores are not required for students applying to the Integrated BA/MA program.
 

Applicant Statement

The applicant statement is an essay in which you discuss your intellectual interests and relevant experiences. The Graduate Studies Committee will pay special attention to:                                 
  • Your specific intellectual interests
  • Why you have chosen to apply to our particular program
  • Compatibility between your interests and our program’s strengths
  • If applying for the Integrated BA/MA Program, please state so in the first line of your applicant statement
Please keep your statement under 3 pages (preferably 2). Attach it under Statement #1 in the Applicant Statements section in the application.
 

Writing Sample

The writing sample is one paper that, in your view, best represents your academic interests and ability. There are no length guidelines for this paper, but if it was written in a language other than English, please write a 5-6 page English-language summary of the main arguments and attach it to your paper.
 
Attach it under Writing Sample in the Program Supplementary Information section in the application.
 

Letters of Recommendation

You will need two letters of recommendation from people who can judge your academic performance and your promise as a graduate student.
 
No form is required for the letter, but the recommender should use institutional letterhead. Recommendation letters should be submitted directly to the online application admissions system. If, however, there is a particular problem with doing so, recommendation letters may be emailed (by the recommenders) to the graduate program: amesgrad@umn.edu. Letters sent by the applicant are not acceptable. 
 
Letters of Recommendation are not required for students applying to the Integrated BA/MA program. Enter the name of your Undergraduate faculty advisor as the "recommender."
 

Optional Materials

Publications

If you have publications, you may attach up to three of your publications and articles under Other Credentials, Upload 1, and Upload 2 in the Program Supplementary Information section in the application.