Frequently Asked Questions

When should I apply?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, which means that they will be reviewed as they are submitted.  The final deadline to submit an application for a given Fall term enrollment is late April of that same year.

Which languages can I study at Columbia?

Columbia offers three-year programs (Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced) in Bangla, Hindi, Persian, Sanskrit, and Urdu. Panjabi, Sinhala, Tamil are two-year programs (Elementary and Intermediate). Advanced Bangla and all Sinhala courses are taught remotely from Cornell University via the Columbia Language Resource Center.  All students who plan to enroll in language classes must take a placement exam, except for those enrolling in a beginning class or those who have completed the prerequisite course at Columbia.

How long is the program?

It can vary according to individual student needs. Some students take two academic years (i.e., four semesters) to finish the program, especially if they choose to study a language. Alternatively, the program can be completed by a full-time student in as few as two semesters. Some students finish the program at a pace that suits their work or family schedule by enrolling either as a half-time or quarter-time student.

Are there required courses? How many?

There are two required courses. Students take “Introduction to South Asian Studies” at the beginning of their program (offered in the fall semester), and they take “Thesis Workshop” at the end of the program (offered in the spring semester). MA students must take four courses within their area of specialization, and they must complete a total of 30 credits in graduate-level courses.

Which kinds of classes can I take? Only courses those listed on the SAI website?

The program is highly customizable, and students may take courses throughout the University. Students select courses in consultation with the MA Director each semester. We encourage students to take an eclectic, personalized course-load that will advance their professional and academic goals. To that end, all students are required to design a four-course specialization that encompasses their primary research interests.

Do I need to write a thesis?

Yes. All MA students are expected to complete a substantive piece of original research in order to graduate. The exact specifications and kind of research project may be determined in consultation with a thesis supervisor.

Do I need to take the GRE? What about exams for English language qualifications?

There is no GRE requirement for admission into the program. For English testing requirements, please see the GSAS website (https://www.gsas.columbia.edu/content/frequently-asked-questions).

Does SAI offer financial aid to Masters students?

In some cases, SAI is able to offer partial scholarships. Scholarship availability changes year to year, and financial resources are limited. There is no separate application for internal SAI scholarship funding. For external funding, applicants should consult SAI’s “Funding” page at https://sai.columbia.edu/.

I haven’t been in school for a while. Will that hurt my application?

No. The selection committee factors in the totality of each applicant’s academic performance and professional experience, and the selection committee considers each application individually.

What should be in my Statement of Academic Purpose?

There is no set format for the Statement of Academic Purpose, but it ought to describe your interests in the program, in the region, and at Columbia; your background and skills, and some of your tentative professional goals in a clear and direct manner.