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This program is designed for students seeking a doctoral degree to prepare for academic careers focused on Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or South Asian literature and languages. The department does not provide a standalone Master's degree in Asian Cultures and Languages. Applicants can enter the combined MA/PhD program with either a Bachelor's degree or a Master's in another discipline.
The MA/PhD curriculum mandates at least 48 credit hours, divided into two stages. The initial MA phase involves 30 credit hours, including a research report course. During the second year of Master's study, students undergo a December review to assess their eligibility for the Doctoral program. Advancement to the PhD portion requires successful completion of the Master's Report, demonstrating independent research capabilities. The doctoral phase demands a minimum of 18 additional credit hours beyond the MA, plus dissertation work. Students must achieve proficiency in at least one modern research language. All specialization areas require approval from the Graduate Adviser.
Students must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a comparable degree from a foreign academic institution. A grade point average of at least 3.00 in upper-division (junior- and senior-level) coursework and in any graduate work already completed.
The minimum scores considered acceptable for admission by the Graduate School are:
TOEFL: 79 on the Internet-based test (iBT)
IELTS: An overall band of 6.5 on the Academic Examination