The LBJ School and the Center for Asian Studies (ANS) offer a three-year dual degree program that combines advanced studies of globalization with a focus on the politics, economy and cultures of Asia (focusing on either East Asia or South Asia). This dual degree program responds to an increased need in both the public and private sectors for specialists with backgrounds that combine policy and area studies.
The program prepares students for governance challenges in the fluid modern environment where new cross-border trends and opportunities challenge traditional rules of thumb and public management techniques. Students integrate their studies of the languages, cultures, history, and political economy of Asia with trans-boundary issues ranging from climate change to cross-border water disputes, from the Doha-round global trade policy agenda to regional free trade agreements, and from the effects of China and India's rise on the global balance of power to the challenges that cross-border ideological and migratory pressures pose for political reform.
Program Structure
Students can earn both degrees simultaneously in approximately three academic years. Degrees are awarded when the required course work in both areas is completed.
Degree Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 67 credit hours of work (for the thesis option) or 70 credit hours of work (for the professional report option). The curriculum requirements include:
Global Policy Studies
- 22 hours of required global policy core courses
- An MGPS specialization (15 hours)
- Summer internship (in or related to the dual degree program)
- Demonstrated proficiency in a language other than English
Asian Studies
For the Asian Studies side of the dual degree program, students can choose whether to write a thesis or a professional report, impacting curriculum requirements as follows:
Professional Report Option
- 6 hours of Asian history
- 6 hours of advanced language courses (third-year and beyond)
- 18 hours of Asian studies electives (not more than 9 hours in any one discipline)
- 3 hours of Master's Report
Thesis Option
- 6 hours of Asian history
- 6 hours of advanced language courses (third-year and beyond)
- 12 hours of Asian studies electives (not more than 6 hours in any one discipline)
- 6 hours of Master's Report
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