PhD in History - East Asian History in New York United States | New York University

The Department of History at New York University provides a Ph.D. program in East Asian History, leveraging the expertise of its core faculty while collaborating with related departments such as East Asian Studies, Religious Studies, Art History, Anthropology, and Sociology. This program emphasizes the early-modern to modern eras of Chinese and Japanese history (from the 17th century onward), situating East Asia within a broader global context. Students are encouraged to explore historical themes that originated within and influenced East Asian societies, examining their interactions with one another and their roles in global diplomacy, culture, and capitalism.
Course requirements are adaptable, designed to meet individual student needs. To advance to Ph.D. candidacy, students typically complete examinations in three areas: a primary field, a secondary field, and a thematic field. The primary and secondary fields may cover distinct periods of the same national history (e.g., Ming/Qing China and modern China) or different national histories (e.g., modern China and modern Japan). The thematic field focuses on theoretical interests (e.g., gender studies, social theory, nationalism theories) and can be customized in consultation with the faculty advisor. The qualifying exam committee usually includes three faculty members, with at least two from the History Department and one from a related department or external institution if needed. The dissertation committee typically consists of five faculty members, with no more than two from outside the Department or another university.