PhD in East Asian Languages and Civilizations in Chicago United States | University of Chicago

The department provides both M.A. and Ph.D. programs, with the M.A. typically serving as a foundation for doctoral work. Essentially, the graduate curriculum is primarily designed for Ph.D. candidates, as there is no standalone Master's program. Those entering with a Master's Degree must meet the Scholastic Residence criteria. The University of Chicago facilitates Master's-level studies in East Asian Languages and Civilizations via its one-year Master of Arts Program in Humanities. Here, participants craft their own academic path by selecting graduate courses across humanities disciplines (including East Asian Languages and Civilizations) and may choose to write a thesis under faculty supervision. In the initial two years, students complete nine courses annually. Based on individual goals and background, some coursework may extend beyond the department. This could involve language study—either their primary focus or a secondary language, whether East Asian or otherwise—as well as exploring another East Asian culture. Numerous students opt to spend a year or more in Japan, China, Taiwan, or Korea to refine language skills or conduct dissertation research.