Modern South Asia

The Modern South Asia concentration at Tufts University offers students an in-depth exploration of the rich and diverse histories, cultures, societies, and political landscapes of South Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives. This interdisciplinary program combines courses from anthropology, history, political science, religious studies, and Asian studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of the region's complexities and dynamics. Students will examine the historical development of South Asian civilizations, analyze contemporary political and social issues, and explore the cultural traditions, arts, and languages that shape the identities of the peoples within this vibrant region. The program emphasizes critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and analytical skills, preparing graduates for careers in international relations, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, education, journalism, and business. Through engaging coursework, research projects, and interaction with scholars specializing in South Asian studies, students gain a nuanced perspective on issues such as post-colonial development, religious identities, ethnic conflicts, economic growth, and regional cooperation. The department also encourages experiential learning through internships, study abroad programs, and community engagement, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. With access to extensive resources, including faculty expertise and regional archives, students are supported in developing specialized knowledge and research competencies. Graduates of the Modern South Asia program leave equipped with the critical insights and skills necessary to understand and impact a region of global significance. Whether pursuing further academic study or entering professional fields, students are prepared to contribute thoughtfully to discussions and initiatives related to South Asian affairs worldwide.

Requirements for completion: proficiency in two foreign languages; completion of sixteen courses at the graduate level, including the Historiographical Proseminar and two Graduate Colloquia; at least three semesters of independent readings or research; oral and written examinations in three fields, based on course work and readings, administered by the appropriate members of the department; dissertation directed by the supervising faculty, to be read and defended before a committee including the adviser, at least one other member of the department, and a third faculty member in the field, drawn, if possible, from another institution. This defense will also include presenting a chapter to the Graduate-Faculty Roundtable.

Additional requirements for Ph.D. in Modern South Asian History:

• Language requirements: English, at least one major South Asian language, and one other appropriate language
• Primary field of concentration: Nineteenth-and twentieth-century South Asia
• Secondary geographic field: An appropriate field in the history of the Middle East, East Africa, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, or East Asia
• Thematic field: An appropriate interdisciplinary and comparative field in topics such as nationalism, agrarian or labor history, world history

1. Online application for admission
2. Scanned copies of all college transcripts
3. Letters of Recommendation: one for certificate programs, two for the engineering management program, and three for all other degree programs
4. Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
5. Personal statement elaborating on your reasons for wanting to pursue graduate study at Tufts
6. Application fee of $85 
7. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
8. Achieved competitive scores on both the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections of the GRE
9. Applicants who are not native speakers of English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum TOEFL score of 90 on the internet based exam is required for M.A., M.S., and Ph.D. applicants, and a minimum score of 85 is required for M.F.A. applicants. The minimum IELTS score is 6.5. 
10. Proficiency in one foreign language.
11. Submit a statement of intent, detailing the planned dissertation field.
12. GRE General Test scores and writing sample required.

Scholarships

For students who show scholarly promise, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering offer scholarships, fellowships, and research or teaching assistantships to full-time students in doctoral programs. The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences also offers awards to full-time students in master’s programs. Certificate students are not eligible for these awards.

• Tuition Scholarships are available in most master's and doctoral programs for qualified students.
• Teaching Assistantships are offered by most departments.
• Research Assistantships are generally available in the science and engineering areas.
• Fellowships are offered to students who demonstrate outstanding records of achievement and a well-articulated plan of study.

The Modern South Asia program at Tufts University offers students a comprehensive exploration of the history, culture, politics, and societies of South Asian countries, with particular emphasis on India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. This interdisciplinary program is designed to provide students with a nuanced understanding of the region's complex legacies, contemporary issues, and diverse cultural landscapes. Through a combination of coursework, research opportunities, and community engagement, students gain critical insights into South Asia's historical transformations, political developments, social movements, and economic changes.

The program incorporates a variety of disciplines, including history, political science, anthropology, and cultural studies, enabling students to develop a well-rounded perspective. Courses cover topics such as colonial and post-colonial history, religious and ethnic diversity, development and globalization, human rights, gender and sexuality, and conflict resolution. Fieldwork and internships may be available for students seeking practical experience in NGOs, cultural organizations, or governmental agencies working in or on South Asia.

Students in the program are encouraged to study regional languages such as Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Tamil, or others to enhance their research capabilities and cultural understanding. The program also supports study abroad opportunities, allowing students to immerse themselves in South Asian languages and communities firsthand.

Academic advising is tailored to help students craft individualized concentrations within the broader field of Modern South Asia, fitting their academic interests and career goals. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, international development, journalism, diplomacy, or business that require specialized knowledge of South Asia. The program aims to foster critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and regional expertise, preparing students to address both regional and global challenges related to South Asia with informed perspectives and analytical rigor.