TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The University of Washington on Wednesday announced the creation of the first Master of Arts program in North America to include a Taiwan track.

In an announcement and call for applicants posted on Facebook, the university said that its Jackson School graduate degree programs in East Asia are being revised into a new MA in East Asian Studies. It said this is in the final stages of approval and will include a Taiwan Studies track among its study options for the first time. 

The university said this is the “first Taiwan Studies-related graduate degree at a major university in North America.”

Pending final approval, UW said the first Taiwan Studies cohort will commence in the fall of next year. Those interested in participating will choose the “Taiwan Track” from the university's China, Korea, or Japan studies MA programs.

The university's East Asia MA includes extensive study of culture, history, society, and contemporary issues. It emphasized that language learning is a key component of the program.

Taiwan Studies faculty will present a variety of courses in social sciences and humanities. In some cases, UW said participants may be able to combine their graduate studies with professional degrees via a concurrent degree enabling them to complete their studies within three years.  

For more information, visit The Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies website.