Main navigation
- Programs
- Subjects
- Universities
- Destinations
- Advice
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 report course. During the second year's December, students undergo an evaluation to assess their eligibility for the PhD portion. Advancement to doctoral studies depends on successfully completing the Master's Report, demonstrating independent research capabilities. The PhD segment requires 18 additional credit hours beyond the MA, plus dissertation work. Proficiency in one modern research language is mandatory, and specialization areas must receive Graduate Adviser approval.
East Asia specialists typically hold a BA in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean language/literature, or an East Asia-focused area studies degree. Program admission requires either two years of college-level Chinese, Japanese, or Korean with minimum B grades, or proof of equivalent language proficiency.