The Southeast Asian Studies Certificate — open to all master's and doctoral students — gives students a broad understanding of Southeast Asia's critical position in global politics and the world economy.
- As one of the world's fastest-growing regions, Southeast Asia is a key hub for manufacturing, trade and investment.
- Its burgeoning economic trade with the United States, important sea lanes connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and extensive ethnic and religious diversity give Southeast Asia great strategic importance.
- Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, shaping the region’s political influence, economic opportunities, and international relations.
- Southeast Asia's growing influence in tourism, cultural exchange, and environmental conservation are built on its rich cultural heritage, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant societies.
The Southeast Asian Studies Certificate examines these trends across the region, which includes Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The program offers three thematic areas of specialized studies.
Globalization, Conflict and Social Change
This theme examines social and cultural transformations in colonial and postcolonial periods of Southeast Asia, with an emphasis on the challenges of living in a global world. Topics include socioeconomic development, urbanization, ethnic conflict, state violence and genocide, and other forms of public action for social change.
Gender, Ethnicity and Religion
This theme focuses on the identity categories that form the basis of modern communities and nation-states of Southeast Asia. Topics include the construction of ethnic and national identities during colonial and post-colonial periods, the meanings and values associated with gender identities, and historical forces that change and shape religious traditions of the region.
Arts, Popular Culture and the Media
This theme explores Southeast Asia’s complex and widely varied cultures, unique regional art forms, and rich diversity of performance practices. These traditional artistic expressions have been extended and reformed in modern popular cultures and in media representations. Topics include art history, modern and traditional literature of the region, and comparative media systems.
Admission Requirements
The certificate program only accepts students who have been admitted to an advanced degree program at Ohio University. The Southeast Asian Studies Certificate Director determines acceptance to the program.
Prospective applicants must prepare an application for submission to the Southeast Asian Studies Certificate Director at Yamada International House or via email at international.studies@ohio.edu to obtain the signature of the Certificate Director. The application must include:
- Completed Applicationfor Update of Graduate Academic Program. This form is available on the Graduate College website. See Add Additional Certificate.
- Undergraduate and/or Graduate Transcript
- Resume/CV:This should list information about your academic background, professional and/or internship experience, and academic and/or professional accomplishments (such as conference presentations, publications, internships, volunteer work, prizes, honors, awards, etc.).
- Statement of Purpose:This two-page statement should discuss your educational and professional goals and how the Southeast Asian Studies Certificate will help you meet those goals. Applicants should be specific in discussing aspects of their background that have led them to the program and how the program can support their future professional and/or academic goals.
The completed application, including the signature of the Southeast Asian Studies Certificate Director, should then be submitted to the Graduate College at Ohio University.
International Students
This certificate program alone does not permit full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 cannot be issued based on admission to this certificate. However, this certificate can be completed during any Ohio University graduate program and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to that degree program.
Certificate Requirements
Full Certificate Requirements and Courses in the official Academic Catalog
Students must complete three core courses that align with each of the three thematic specializations:
- Arts, Popular Culture and Media
- Gender, Ethnicity and Religion
- Globalization, Conflict and Social Change
Students also must take two semesters of a language appropriate to the region. OHIO offers Hindi, Indonesian, Malaysian and Thai language courses.
For More Information
Contact: Dr. Takaaki Suzuki